Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions (Graduate Texts in Contemporary Physics)

Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions, Third Edition goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with its thorough treatment of applications in a wide variety of disciplines. Its clear exposition and emphasis on concrete examples make it not only an excellent graduate text but also a valuable resource for researchers in such disciplines as aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering; astrophysics, solid state and laser physics and devices, plasma physics, and controlled and thermonuclear fusion. Among the topics covered are: The Liouville equation and analyses of the Liouville equation, including two independent derivations ? The Boltzmann equation and Boltzmann's H-theorem ? Analysis of the linearized collision operator ? Fluid dynamics and irreversibility ? Assorted kinetic equations with applications to plasmas and neutral fluids ? Elements of quantum kinetic theory, including the Green's-function formalism and the Wigner-Moyal equation ? Relativistic kinetic theory and Lorentz invariants ? Kinetic properties of metals and amorphous media ? Monte Carlo analysis in kinetic theory ? Kinetic study of shock waves This third revised edition features a new section on constants of motion and symmetry and a new appendix on the Lorentz-Legendre expansion. Each chapter concludes with a variety of problems, many of which provide self-contained descriptions of related topics; lists of such "topical problems" are included in the Contents. Numerous appendices supply vector formulas and tensor notation, properties of special functions, physical constants, references, and a historical time chart. Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, And Relativistic Descriptions Goes Beyond The Scope Of Other Works In The Field With Its Thorough Treatment Of Applications In A Wide Variety Of Disciplines. Its Clear Exposition And Emphasis On Concrete Examples Will Make It Not Only An Excellent Graduate Text But Also A Valuable Resource For Researchers In Such Disciplines As Aerospace, Mechanical, And Chemical Engineering; Astrophysics, Solid State And Laser Physics And Devices, Plasma Physics, And Controlled And Thermonuclear Fusion. Among The Topics Covered Are: - The Liouville Equation And Analyses Of The Liouville Equation, Including Two Independent Derivations - The Boltzmann Equation And Boltzmann's H-theorem - Analysis Of The Linearized Collision Operator - Fluid Dynamics And Irreversibility - Assorted Kinetic Equations With Applications To Plasmas And Neutral Fluids - Elements Of Quantum Kinetic Theory, Including The Green's-function Formalism And The Wigner-moyal Equation - Relativistic Kinetic Theory And Lorentz Invariants - Kinetic Properties Of Metals And Amorphous Media - Monte-carlo Analysis In Kinetic Theory - Kinetic Study Of Shock Waves This Third Revised Edition Features A New Section On Constants Of Motion And Symmetry And A New Appendix On The Lorentz-legendre Expansion. The Liouville Equation -- Analysis Of The Liouville Equation -- The Boltzmann Equation, Fluid Dynamics, And Irreversibility -- Assorted Kinetic Equations With Applications To Plasmas And Neutral Fluids -- Elements Of Quantum Kinetic Theory -- Relativistic Kinetic Theory -- Kinetic Properties Of Metals And Amorphous Media. Richard L. Liboff. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Kinetic Theory: Classical, Quantum, and Relativistic Descriptions goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with its thorough treatment of applications in a wide variety of disciplines. Its clear exposition and emphasis on concrete examples will make it not only an excellent graduate text but also a valuable resource for researchers in such disciplines as aerospace, mechanical, and chemical engineering; astrophysics, solid state and laser physics and devices, plasma physics, and controlled and thermonuclear fusion. Among the topics covered are: - The Liouville equation and analyses of the Liouville equation, including two independent derivations - The Boltzmann equation and Boltzmann's H-theorem - Analysis of the linearized collision operator - Fluid dynamics and irreversibility - Assorted kinetic equations with applications to plasmas and neutral fluids - Elements of quantum kinetic theory, including the Green's-function formalism and the Wigner-Moyal equation - Relativistic kinetic theory and Lorentz invariants - Kinetic properties of metals and amorphous media - Monte-Carlo analysis in kinetic theory - Kinetic study of shock waves This third revised edition features a new section on constants of motion and symmetry and a new appendix on the Lorentz-Legendre expansion. Each chapter concludes with a variety of problems, many of which provide self-contained descriptions of related topics; lists of such "topical problems" are included in the Table of Contents. Numerous appendices supply vector formulas and tensor notation, properties of special functions, physical constants, references, and a historical time chart. This book goes beyond the scope of other works in the field with its thorough treatment of applications in a wide variety of disciplines. The third edition features a new section on constants of motion and symmetry and a new appendix on the Lorentz-Legendre expansion.