Statistical Physics of Liquids at Freezing and Beyond
Table of Contents:
1. Statistical physics of liquids
2. The freezing transition
3. Crystal nucleation
4. The supercooled liquid
5. Dynamics of collective modes
6. Nonlinear fluctuating hydrodynamics
7. The field theoretic model
8. The ergodic-nonergodic transition
9. The nonequilibrium dynamics
10. Thermodynamic transition scenario
Exploring important theories for understanding freezing and the liquid-glass transition, this book is useful for graduate students and researchers in soft-condensed matter physics, chemical physics and materials science. It details recent ideas and key developments, providing an up-to-date view of current understanding. The standard tools of statistical physics for the dense liquid state are covered. The freezing transition is described from the classical density functional approach. Classical nucleation theory as well as applications of density functional methods for nucleation of crystals from the melt are discussed, and compared to results from computer simulation of simple systems. Discussions of supercooled liquids form a major part of the book. Theories of slow dynamics and the dynamical heterogeneities of the glassy state are presented, as well as nonequilibrium dynamics and thermodynamic phase transitions at deep supercooling. Mathematical treatments are
given in full detail so readers can learn the basic techniques.
Features
- 1. A unique presentation of recent developments in an active field of research
- 2. Suitable for graduate students and researchers, including those just entering the field
- 3. Covers a number of recent ideas and main developments to give an update on the current status of the field