Introduction to the Physics of Complex Systems
Pergamon (Publisher)
Published in September 1986
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-0-08-032628-3 (ISBN)
Description
Interest in the physics of complex macroscopic systems is growing rapidly. Such systems, composed of several subsystems interacting in a non linear way, display fascinating and sometimes surprising phenomena such as self-organization, sharp transitions among qualitatively different states, noise-induced phenomena and seemingly chaotic dynamics. This book provides a wide and unitary approach to the field. which is achieved by stressing the role of the reduction procedures, i.e. of the passage from more detailed to more synthetic dynamical descriptions. The book is aimed at university level readership although emphasis is placed on physical intuition rather than mathematical details. To this end, theoretical sections outlining the major concepts and mathematical techniques needed for the analysis of complex systems are integrated by relevant applications to physical and chemical systems.
More details
Language
English
Italian
Place of publication
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Publishing group
Elsevier Science & Technology
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
93ill.
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 150 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-08-032628-3 (9780080326283)
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Schweitzer Classification
Content
Foreword by F T Arecchi. Preface. Introduction. Theory of Markovian stochastic processes. Applications of the theory of Markovian processes. Theory of non-Markovian stochastic processes. Stochastic processes and irreversible thermodynamics. Stability and bifurcations in dynamical systems. Self-organisation in physical and chemical systems. Appendix: Practical example of an oscillating chemical reaction. Bibliography. Subject index.