Finding a Booklist to Learn Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics/Statistical Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable booklist for learning nonequilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, particularly for a graduate student with specific research interests in particle diffusion, phase transitions, and transport phenomena in various phases. The participants explore recommendations for advanced texts and resources to deepen their understanding of the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for a structured booklist to progress from basic to advanced knowledge in nonequilibrium thermodynamics/statistical mechanics.
  • Another participant suggests a course on non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and questions its complexity.
  • Several participants recommend specific texts, including "Principles of Condensed Matter Physics" by Chaikin and Lubensky, "Macrotransport Processes" by Brenner and Edwards, and "Statistical Dynamics, Matter out of Equilibrium" by Balescu.
  • A participant inquires about the depth and mathematical rigor of Balescu's book, noting its relevance to their interests.
  • It is mentioned that Balescu's book is graduate-level and lacks exercises, which raises questions about its accessibility based on individual comfort levels.
  • Another participant highlights the volumes by Landau and Lifshitz as valuable resources, specifically mentioning their treatment of thermostatics and kinetic theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for a solid booklist and express interest in specific recommendations. However, there is no consensus on which texts are most suitable, as opinions vary regarding the complexity and rigor of the suggested materials.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their ability to handle the recommended texts based on their current understanding and comfort levels. The discussion reflects varying degrees of familiarity with advanced mathematical concepts related to the subject matter.

Sizhe
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Hi, guys
I have posted this question on StackExchange, but no one seems to care answer. Because I don't think this is a simple textbook question, I start my thread here:

I know this is a big question. But as a graduate student, my research is somehow related to nonequilibrium thermodynamics/statistical mechanics. TBH, I hate how some research treat this subject like a mystery and use some theories carelessly. So I want to learn the subject at my own pace. I have finished Fermi Enrico's "thermodynamics" for a start. And I'm reading Terrell Hill's "introduction to statistical thermodynamics." Although I am pretty satisfied with the content of these two books, I have no idea where should I go from here.

Because I expect my future research will still be based on nonequilibrium thermo/stat mech, I need a booklist to guide me from "knowing something" to "knowing something advanced." In the meantime, I hope I can equip myself with advanced mathematics by going through the booklist. Can anyone provide some ideas on this?

To be more precise, my research interests include the particle diffusion in crystal materials and phase transition. And I also expect to do some research in the future about the transport of heat and charged species in the liquid or solid phase.

P.S., I am not looking for working understanding of this subject. A solid but accessible booklist would be perfect.
 
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Sizhe said:
e posted this question on StackExchange, but no one seems to care answer. Because I don't think this is a simple textbook question, I start my thread here:
Wrichik Basu said:
Have a look at this course on Non-equilibrium statistical mechanics (syllabus here). Is it too trivial?
Thanks for your reply. This is not a trivial syllabus. But I am not sure if I can handle this after I finish the reading of Terrell Hill's book.
 
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Sizhe said:
Thanks for your reply. This is not a trivial syllabus. But I am not sure if I can handle this after I finish the reading of Terrell Hill's book.
In the syllabus page, there is a section "References" with a number of books mentioned. Check them out, especially #1 and #6. The first one is written by the professor who has conducted the course. Maybe you'll get some help from the books.

When you feel you can handle the course, do attend it. Prof. Balakrishnan is a very good professor and his courses are gems.

Other than that, other members with more outlook than me will surely help you out. :smile:
 
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Sizhe said:
Because I expect my future research will still be based on nonequilibrium thermo/stat mech, I need a booklist to guide me from "knowing something" to "knowing something advanced." In the meantime, I hope I can equip myself with advanced mathematics by going through the booklist. Can anyone provide some ideas on this?

To be more precise, my research interests include the particle diffusion in crystal materials and phase transition. And I also expect to do some research in the future about the transport of heat and charged species in the liquid or solid phase.

P.S., I am not looking for working understanding of this subject. A solid but accessible booklist would be perfect.

Here's a few suggestions:

Principles of condensed matter physics (Chaikin and Lubensky)
Macrotransport Processes (Brenner and Edwards)
Statistical Dynamics, Matter out of Equilibrium (Balescu)
 
Andy Resnick said:
Here's a few suggestions:

Principles of condensed matter physics (Chaikin and Lubensky)
Macrotransport Processes (Brenner and Edwards)
Statistical Dynamics, Matter out of Equilibrium (Balescu)
Balescu's book covers the topics I really want to know and learn. Could you please give a general idea of this book in terms of depth and mathematical rigor?
 
Sizhe said:
Balescu's book covers the topics I really want to know and learn. Could you please give a general idea of this book in terms of depth and mathematical rigor?

It's not a trivial book- but I can't really answer the question without knowing your 'comfort level'. It's definitely graduate level reading and there are no problems/exercises to work out.
 
Andy Resnick said:
It's not a trivial book- but I can't really answer the question without knowing your 'comfort level'. It's definitely graduate level reading and there are no problems/exercises to work out.
Got it. Thanks!
 
The volumes on thermodynamics and statistics by Landau and Lifshitz are very good books. Vol. V treats thermostatics and Vol. X kinetic theory (including the Schwinger-Keldysh real-time formalism of quantum many-body QFT, applied to the non-relativistic case). Vol. IX is about equlibrium quantum-many-body theory (nonrelativstic).
 
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