Roberto Livi, Paolo Politi.
Nonequilibrium Statistical Physics: a modern perspective.
CUP. 2017
Statistical mechanics has been proven to be successful at
describing physical systems at thermodynamic equilibrium.
Since most natural phenomena occur in nonequilibrium conditions,
the present challenge is to find suitable physical approaches for such conditions.
This book provides a pedagogical pathway that explores various perspectives.
The use of clear language and explanatory figures and diagrams
to describe models, simulations, and experimental findings
makes it a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate students
and for lecturers teaching at varying levels of experience in the field.
Written in three parts, it covers basic and traditional concepts of
nonequilibrium physics, modern aspects concerning nonequilibrium phase transitions
and application-orientated topics from a modern perspective.
A broad range of topics is covered, including Langevan equations,
Lévy processes, directed percolation, kinetic roughening, and pattern formation.