Statistical Physics: A Prelude and Fugue for Engineers

Authors: Roberto Piazza



Provides a general introduction to the ideas and methods of statistical mechanics

Meets the needs of chemical, mechanical, and materials science engineers

Explicitly addresses fundamental questions

Focuses on the practical applications of statistical physics

Adopts a graded approach to learning

This book, provides a general introduction to the ideas and methods of statistical mechanics with the principal aim of meeting the needs of Master’s students in chemical, mechanical, and materials science engineering. Extensive introductory information is presented on many general physics topics in which students in engineering are inadequately trained, ranging from the Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics to basic quantum mechanics, electromagnetic fields in matter, intermolecular forces, and transport phenomena. Since engineers should be able to apply physical concepts, the book also focuses on the practical applications of statistical physics to material science and to cutting-edge technologies, with brief but informative sections on, for example, interfacial properties, disperse systems, nucleation, magnetic materials, superfluidity, and ultralow temperature technologies. The book adopts a graded approach to learning, the opening four basic-level chapters being followed by advanced “starred” sections in which special topics are discussed. Its relatively informal style, including the use of musical metaphors to guide the reader through the text, will aid self-learning.

Table of contents

Front Matter
Pages i-xv

Prelude: playing by ear
Pages 1-38

Overture in B major
Pages 39-79

Easy rhythms and melodies
Pages 81-139

Fluid chords
Pages 141-199

A crescendo of scales
Pages 201-258

Outdoor music
Pages 259-290

Fuzzy and cool melodies
Pages 291-354

Back Matter
Pages 355-453