Thermodynamics and Self-Gravitating Systems

Details Thermodynamics and Self-Gravitating Systems Thermodynamics and Self-Gravitating Systems

2002-12-12

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0212295v1

Found.Phys. 33 (2003) 223-269

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

35 pages,6 figures

Scientific paper

This work assembles some basic theoretical elements on thermal equilibrium, stability conditions, and fluctuation theory in self-gravitating systems illustrated with a few examples. Thermodynamics deals with states that have settled down after sufficient time has gone by. Time dependent phenomena are beyond the scope of this paper. While thermodynamics is firmly rooted in statistical physics, equilibrium configurations, stability criteria and the destabilizing effect of fluctuations are all expressed in terms of thermodynamic functions. The work is not a review paper but a pedagogical introduction which may interest theoreticians in astronomy and astrophysicists. It contains sufficient mathematical details for the reader to redo all calculations. References are only to seminal works or readable reviews. (Except in the ultimate sub-section.) Delicate mathematical problems are mentioned but are not discussed in detail.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Thermodynamics and Self-Gravitating Systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Thermodynamics and Self-Gravitating Systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Thermodynamics and Self-Gravitating Systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-403951