Can We Simplify the Rotating Energy Sum in Statistical Mechanics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a sum related to the rotating energy in statistical mechanics. Participants explore various approaches to evaluate the sum, which involves terms of the form \( (2\ell + 1)e^{-k \ell(\ell + 1)} \), and consider implications of parameters involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the sum \( Z_r = \sum_{\ell = 0}^\infty (2\ell + 1)e^{-\frac{T_r}{T}\ell(\ell + 1)} \) and seeks assistance in evaluating it.
  • Another participant questions whether the ratio \( T_r/T \) is positive or negative, suggesting that if it is positive, the sum may diverge.
  • A different participant proposes breaking down the sum into two components, \( F(\ell) \) and \( G(\ell) \), and derives a new expression involving hyperbolic functions.
  • One participant introduces the concept of hyperbolic numbers to extend the evaluation of the sum, relating it to exponential functions and completing the square.
  • Another participant suggests completing the square in the original sum to facilitate evaluation, leading to a new form that might be easier to handle.
  • A later reply expresses doubt about the ability to evaluate the sum directly, noting the lack of closed-form expressions for Gaussian sums and suggesting integral approximation as a possible method.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the evaluation methods, with no consensus on a definitive approach or solution to the sum. Some methods are proposed, but uncertainty remains regarding their effectiveness.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in evaluating the sum, particularly regarding the absence of closed-form solutions for Gaussian sums and the potential need for integral approximations or other advanced techniques.

TheDestroyer
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How to take this sum?

I'm getting this sum in the statistical mechanics for the rotating energy, anyone can help with?
[tex] Z_r = \sum\limits_{\ell = 0}^\infty {\left( {2\ell + 1} \right)e^{{\textstyle{{T_r } \over T}}\ell \left( {\ell + 1} \right)} } [/tex]
If tex doesn't work here is it, Where the sum is from 0 to infinity
Z=Sum[(2L+1)exp(-x L(L+1))]

Seems simple lol !

Thanks
 
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Question: Is [itex]T_r/T[/itex] positive or negative? If it's positive then your sum diverges. But I'm guessing it's not that simple. :-p
 
Here's an idea:

Break up the [itex]2 \ell +1[/itex] into [itex]\ell + (\ell + 1) \;[/itex]. Then we have:

[tex]Z_\ell = F(\ell) + G(\ell)[/tex]

where

[tex]F(\ell) = \ell \, e^{-k \, \ell(\ell+1)}[/tex]

and

[tex]G(\ell) = (\ell+1) \, e^{-k \, \ell(\ell+1)}[/tex]

then

[tex]G(\ell - 1) = \ell e^{-k \, \ell(\ell-1)}[/tex]

And so

[tex]H(\ell) = F(\ell) \,+\, G(\ell-1)[/tex]
[tex]= \ell [e^{-k \, \ell(\ell+1)} \,+\, e^{-k \, \ell(\ell-1)}] = \ell [e^{-k \, \ell^2 \,-\, k \, \ell} \,+\, e^{-k \, \ell^2 \,+\, k \, \ell}] = \ell e^{-k \, \ell^2}[e^{k \, \ell} \,+\, e^{-k \, \ell}][/tex]
[tex]= 2\ell \, \cosh(k \ell) e^{-k \, \ell^2}[/tex]

So perhaps we can do something along the lines of:

[tex]\sum_{\ell=0}^{\infty} F(\ell)+G(\ell)[/tex]
[tex]= F(0) + [ F(1) + G(0) ] + [ F(2) + G(1) ] + \ldots[/tex]
[tex]= F(0) + \sum_{\ell=1}^{\infty} H(\ell) = 2 \sum_{\ell=1}^{\infty} \ell \, \cosh(k \ell) e^{-k \, \ell^2}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
I'm not exactly sure how to evaluate this last sum (I might be unnecessarily complicating things further) but I'll throw out some ideas anyhow...

Consider extending the real numbers by adding a number [itex]u[/itex] that is neither [itex]1[/itex] nor [itex]-1[/itex] such that

[tex]u^2 = 1[/tex]

much the same way we extend the real numbers by adding [itex]i[/itex] such that

[tex]i^2 = -1[/tex]

Then for real [itex]t[/itex],

[tex]e^{u t} = \cosh t + u \sinh t[/tex]

This extension of the reals is sometimes called the hyperbolic numbers, or the unipodal numbers.

So this means that

[tex]\cosh(k \ell) e^{-k\, \ell^2}[/tex]

is equal to the real part of

[tex]e^{k\, u\, \ell}e^{-k\, \ell^2} = e^{-k(\ell^2 - u\, \ell)}[/tex]

Then completing the square, we have

[tex](\ell^2 - u\, \ell + \frac{u^2}{4}) - \frac{u^2}{4} = (\ell - \frac{u}{2})^2 - \frac{u^2}{4}[/tex]

But [itex]u^2 = 1[/itex]. Letting [itex]\omega = \ell - u/2[/itex], we get

[tex]e^{-k(\omega^2 - \frac{1}{4})} = e^{\frac{k}{4}}e^{-k\, \omega^2}[/tex]

So then

[tex]\ell \cosh(k \ell) e^{-k\, \ell^2} = e^{\frac{k}{4}}Re[\ell e^{-k(\ell - \frac{u}{2})^2}] = e^{\frac{k}{4}}Re[(\omega + \frac{u}{2})e^{-k\, \omega^2}][/tex]

Anyhow, I'll have to think more about this.
 
Last edited:
OK - I feel stupid now. I suppose we could just complete the square in the original sum:

[tex](2\ell+1)e^{-k\, \ell(\ell+1)} = (2\ell+1)e^{-k(\ell^2 + \ell + \frac{1}{4})+\frac{k}{4}} = (2\ell+1)e^{\frac{k}{4}}e^{-k(\ell+\frac{1}{2})^2}[/tex]

Then letting [itex]\lambda = \ell + 1/2[/itex] we have:

[tex]2\lambda \, e^{\frac{k}{4}}e^{-k\, \lambda^2}[/tex]

We should be able to evaluate this sum now, no?
 
kryptyk said:
We should be able to evaluate this sum now, no?

I'm afraid not. It is quite unfortunate that we don't have closed form expressions for Gaussian sums. The most direct way to estimate its value would be to approximate it with an integral. You might also be able to make a more systematic attack by making use of the Euler-MacLaurin formula.
 

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