Axiomatics of Classical Statistical Mechanics

by Kurth, Rudolf

• ISBN13: 9780486832753
• ISBN10: 0486832759
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2019-03-20
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

This monograph constructs classical statistical mechanics as a deductive system, based on the equations of motion and the basic postulates of probability. The treatment consists chiefly of theorems and proofs that are expressed in a manner that reveals the theory's logical structure. Requiring only familiarity with the elements of calculus and analytical geometry, Axiomatics of Classical Statistical Mechanics is geared toward advanced undergraduates and graduate students in mathematical physics.
An opening chapter on mathematical tools makes the text as self-contained as possible. Subsequent chapters explore the phase flows of mechanical systems, the initial distribution of probability in the phase space, and both time-dependent and time-independent probability distributions. A final chapter covers statistical thermodynamics.

Author Biography

Rudolf Kurth taught at several institutions, including Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Durham College at the University of Durham, U.K. His other books include Dimensional Analysis and Group Theory in Astrophysics, Introduction to Stellar Statistics, and Elements of Analytical Dynamics.

Table of Contents

Table of contents:
I. Introduction
II. Mathematical Tools
III. The Phase Flows of Mechanical Systems
IV. The Initial Distribution of Probability in the Phase Space
V. Probability Distributions Which Depend on Time
VI. Time-Independent Probability Distributions
VII. Statistical Thermodynamics
Index