The Boltzmann equation and its formal hydrodynamic limits

2009 ◽  
pp. 1-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Saint-Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Hydrodynamic Limits ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation

scholarly journals Entropy inequality and hydrodynamic limits for the Boltzmann equation

2013 ◽  
Vol 371 (2005) ◽  
pp. 20120350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Saint-Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Entropy Inequality ◽  
Elementary Particles ◽  
The State ◽  
Hydrodynamic Limits ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Nature Of Matter

Boltzmann brought a fundamental contribution to the understanding of the notion of entropy, by giving a microscopic formulation of the second principle of thermodynamics. His ingenious idea, motivated by the works of his contemporaries on the atomic nature of matter, consists of describing gases as huge systems of identical and indistinguishable elementary particles. The state of a gas can therefore be described in a statistical way. The evolution, which introduces couplings, loses part of the information, which is expressed by the decay of the so-called mathematical entropy (the opposite of physical entropy!).

The Boltzmann Equation and the H Theorem (1872–1875)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Darrigol
Keyword(s):  
Heat Conduction ◽  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Transport Phenomena ◽  
Dilute Gas ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
H Theorem ◽  
Irreversible Evolution

This chapter covers Boltzmann’s writings about the Boltzmann equation and the H theorem in the period 1872–1875, through which he succeeded in deriving the irreversible evolution of the distribution of molecular velocities in a dilute gas toward Maxwell’s distribution. Boltzmann also used his equation to improve on Maxwell’s theory of transport phenomena (viscosity, diffusion, and heat conduction). The bulky memoir of 1872 and the eponymous equation probably are Boltzmann’s most famous achievements. Despite the now often obsolete ways of demonstration, despite the lengthiness of the arguments, and despite hidden difficulties in the foundations, Boltzmann there displayed his constructive skills at their best.

Approach to Equilibrium, the H-Theorem and Irreversibility

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sauro Succi
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Approach To Equilibrium ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
H Theorem ◽  
Irreversible Evolution

Like most of the greatest equations in science, the Boltzmann equation is not only beautiful but also generous. Indeed, it delivers a great deal of information without imposing a detailed knowledge of its solutions. In fact, Boltzmann himself derived most if not all of his main results without ever showing that his equation did admit rigorous solutions. This Chapter illustrates one of the most profound contributions of Boltzmann, namely the famous H-theorem, providing the first quantitative bridge between the irreversible evolution of the macroscopic world and the reversible laws of the underlying microdynamics.

Boltzmann’s Kinetic Theory

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sauro Succi
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Kinetic Theory ◽  
Statistical Physics ◽  
Neutron Transport ◽  
Condensed Matter ◽  
Relativistic Fluids ◽  
Classical Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Dilute Gas ◽  
Equilibrium Processes ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation

Kinetic theory is the branch of statistical physics dealing with the dynamics of non-equilibrium processes and their relaxation to thermodynamic equilibrium. Established by Ludwig Boltzmann (1844–1906) in 1872, his eponymous equation stands as its mathematical cornerstone. Originally developed in the framework of dilute gas systems, the Boltzmann equation has spread its wings across many areas of modern statistical physics, including electron transport in semiconductors, neutron transport, quantum-relativistic fluids in condensed matter and even subnuclear plasmas. In this Chapter, a basic introduction to the Boltzmann equation in the context of classical statistical mechanics shall be provided.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document