Phase Transition Dynamics

Description

Phase transition dynamics is centrally important to current condensed matter physics. This book treats a wide variety of topics systematically by constructing time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau models for various systems in physics, metallurgy, and polymer science. Beginning with a summary of advanced statistical-mechanical theories including the renormalization group theory, the book reviews dynamical theories, and covers the kinetics of phase ordering, spinodal decomposition, and nucleation in depth. The phase transition dynamics of real systems are discussed, treating interdisciplinary problems in a unified manner. New topics include supercritical fluid dynamics, stress-diffusion coupling in polymers, and mesoscopic dynamics at structural phase transitions in solids. Theoretical and experimental approaches to shear flow problems in fluids are reviewed. Phase Transition Dynamics provides a comprehensive account, building on the statistical mechanics of phase transitions covered in many introductory textbooks. It will be essential reading for researchers and advanced graduate students in physics, chemistry, metallurgy, and polymer science.

AKIRA ONUKI obtained his PhD from the University of Tokyo. Since 1983, he has held a position at Kyoto University, taking up his current professorship in 1991. He has made important contributions to the study of phase transition dynamics in both fluid and solid systems.

'... an excellent detailed summary and generalisation of research.' Materials World 'Particular strengths are the many well-presented figures and micrographs of experimental data, and the extensive reference list at the end of each chapter. The receptive audience will be graduate students and active researchers working on phrase transition dynamics in condensed-matter physics and closely related fields. The book fills an important niche, however, and is well worth the effort.' Contemporary Physics