Methods of Statistical Physics

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Number Of Pages: 308
Publication Date: 2002-09-15
Sales Rank: 1843067
ISBN / ASIN: 0521589584
EAN: 9780521589581
Binding: Paperback
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
Studio: Cambridge University Press
Average Rating: 4

This text by one of the originators of the cluster variation method of statistical mechanics is aimed at second- and third-year graduate students studying such topics as the theory of complex analysis, classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, and quantum mechanics. The central theme is that, given the Hamiltonian for a system, it is possible to calculate the thermodynamics correlation function, either numerically or through the use of infinite series. The book is self-contained, with all required mathematics included either in the text or in Appendixes. The text includes many exercises designed for self-study.

Download Description:

This graduate-level textbook on thermal physics covers classical thermodynamics, statistical mechanics and its applications. It describes theoretical methods to calculate thermodynamic properties, such as the equation of state, specific heat, Helmholtz free energy, magnetic susceptibility and phase transitions of macroscopic systems. In addition to the more standard material covered, this book also describes powerful techniques, which are not found elsewhere, to determine the correlation effects on which the thermodynamic properties are based. Particular emphasis is given to the cluster variation method and a novel formulation is developed for its expression in terms of correlation functions. Although a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is required, the mathematical formulations are accessible and entirely self-contained. The book will therefore constitute an ideal companion text for graduate students studying courses on the theory of complex analysis, classical mechanics, classical electrodynamics, and quantum mechanics.

Review:

Solid and Modern

If you would like a modern review of statistical mechanics with detailed information of important statistical mechanical models (Ising and things like that) then this book is solid and concise. It is by no means an introductory book, and sometimes it is a bit too terse even for the advanced reader. However, a graduate student who has already had a good introductory course in stat mech should benefit from it.