Statistical Mechanics of Phase Transitions

by J.M. Yeomans

Recent developments have led to a good understanding of why phase transitions in systems as diverse as magnets, fluids, liquid crystals, and superconductors can be brought under the same theoretical umbrella and accurately described by simple models. This book describes the physics underlying universality and then lays out the theoretical approaches now available for studying phase transitions. Traditional techniques, mean-field theory, series expansions, and the transfer matrix, are described; the Monte Carlo method is covered; and two chapters are devoted to the renormalization group which led to a breakthrough in the field. The book will be useful as a textbook for a course in phase transitions, as an introduction for graduate students undertaking research in related fields, and as an overview for scientists in other disciplines who work with phase transitions but who are not aware of the current tools of theoretical physics.

Genres: Mathematics, Physics

164 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 1992

Reviews

[Asra Babar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very Good and useful book

[Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit too concise, but otherwise it is quite systematic. Probably not very good for very thorough learning.