Format: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1415-1600 during the weeks 37-40. (only Wednesday the first week).
The first 4 double lectures will present the basics of kinetic theory, whereas the 3 final ones on more specialized topics, the emphasis of which will be chosen in dialogue with the audience. No prior knowledge on kinetic theory is required.
Below is a tentative plan, where the basic part consists of chapter I and a quick sample of later chapters. The scope of the specialized part is indicated by the items under chapters II-IV.
I. Boltzmann equation
Non-linear Boltzmann equation (NLBE) for molecular gases: A complete theory for the approach to equilibrium on the molecular scale in terms of particle distribution functions (pdf).
Homogeneous systems: Fast relaxation in velocity space to a Maxwell (Gauss) pdf. H-theorem (growth of entropy).
Inhomogeneous systems: Local density, temperature and flow fields, hydrodynamics and transport coeffisients.
Chapman-Enskog theory: Calculation of transport coefficients from intermolecular forces.
II. NLBE for granular/inelastic gases
No energy conservation, no steady state without energy input.
Freely cooling homogeneous states, and non-equilibrium steady states (NESS) with stretched exponential tails.
