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.

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.

scholarly journals The Chapman?Enskog Solution of the Boltzmann Equation: A Reformulation in Terms of Irreducible Tensors and Matrices

1967 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kallash Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Kinetic Theory ◽  
Harmonic Oscillator ◽  
Shell Model ◽  
Nuclear Physics ◽  
Collision Integral ◽  
Polar Coordinates ◽  
Irreducible Tensors ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Oscillator Shell

The Chapman-Enskog method of solving the Boltzmann equation is presented in a simpler and more efficient form. For this purpose all the operations involving the usual polynomials are carried out in spherical polar coordinates, and the Racah-Wigner methods of dealing with irreducible tensors are used throughout. The expressions for the collision integral and the associated bracket expressions of kinetic theory are derived in terms of Talmi coefficients, which have been extensively studied in the harmonic oscillator shell model of nuclear physics.

Kinetic Theory for a Dilute Gas of Particles with Spin. II. Relaxation Coefficients

1968 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
pp. 1893-1902
Author(s):  
S. Hess ◽  
L. Waldmann
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Kinetic Theory ◽  
Interaction Potential ◽  
Collision Operator ◽  
Dilute Gas ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Generalized Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Linearized Collision Operator ◽  
Relaxation Coefficients

The relaxation coefficients to be discussed are given by collision brackets pertaining to the linearized collision operator of the generalized Boltzmann equation for particles with spin. The order of magnitude of various nondiagonal relaxation coefficients which are of interest for the SENFTLEBEN-BEENAKKER effect is investigated. Those nondiagonal relaxation coefficients which are linear in the nonsphericity parameter ε (ε essentially measures the ratio of the nonspherical and the spherical parts of the interaction potential), as well as some diagonal relaxation coefficients are expressed in terms of generalized Omega-integrals.

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