ASPUS lecture, Nov-2004, Vienna
SINAI'S BILLIARD AND BOLTZMANN'S ROULETTE
Introducing Statistical Physics
First encounter with StatPhys: usually around the third term
Didactic problem:
- Classroom experiments not possible
- Therefore: Subject usually presented in a purely formal way
- The formalism refers to an abstract, high-dimensional phase space
Suggested solution:
- Replace classroom experiments by simulation
- Support formal arguments by visualization
- Use a bottom-up approach, made possible by chaos in small systems
Realization: web tutorial at
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Stadium Billiard
A toy system with only 2 dimensions |
more ... |
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2-dimensional 1-particle gas
A more "physical" toy system | more ... |
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The bottom-up path to StatPhys
Add one dimension, and another one ... | more ... |
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Approaching equilibrium
The power of Boltzmann's transport equation | more ... |
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Classical distribution functions
Boltzmann's roulette | more ... |
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Entropy seen from within
The amazing properties of hyperspheres | more ... |
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Quantum mechanical distribution function
Fermi's quantum roulette |
more ... |