Statistical dynamics: a stochastic approach to nonequilibrium thermodynamics

by R.F. Streater

How to construct dynamical systems obeying the first and second laws of thermodynamics: mean energy is conserved, and entropy increases with time? The book answers this question for classical probability (Part I) and quantum probability (Part II). A novel feature is the introduction of heat particles which supply thermal noise and represent the kinetic energy of molecules. When applied to chemical reactions, the theory leads to a nonlinear reaction — diffusion equations exhibiting oscillations or convergence to equilibrium.

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1995