Das Sh.P. Statistical Physics of Liquids at Freezing and Beyond

Cambridge University Press, 2011. — 584 p. — ISBN 9780521858397.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.A unique presentation of recent developments in an active field of research.
Suitable for graduate students and researchers, including those just entering the field.
Covers a number of recent ideas and main developments to give an update on the current status of the field.Table of ContentsStatistical physics of liquids
The freezing transition
Crystal nucleation
The supercooled liquid
Dynamics of collective modes
Nonlinear fluctuating hydrodynamics
The field theoretic model
The ergodic-nonergodic transition
The nonequilibrium dynamics
Thermodynamic transition scenario