Mesoscopic physics of complex materials (Q1588006)

This book is designed for graduate students and researchers in condensed matter physics, polymer physics, colloid and interface science, and materials science and engineering. The purpose is to introduce the readers into theoretical methods and concepts in the application of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics to complex materials (complex materials refer either to colloidal dispersions in liquid state or to polymers and composites in solid state). The book consists of eight chapters: 1. Overview (statistical dynamics; fluid dispersions; relaxation in solids; nanocomposites; fractal surfaces; viscoelasticity); 2. Brownian motion (Markovian process; Langevin equation; random force correlation; Fokker-Planck equation; memory effect; Navier-Stokes equation; Liouville theorem); 3. Dynamic response (linear response theory; correlation functions; generalized susceptibility; fluctuation-dissipation theorem; non-Markovian and nonlocal relations; relaxation time; master equation); 4. Colloidal dynamics (Stokesian dynamics; anisotropic viscosites; lattice model; concentraded dispersions; percolation transition; memory function; dynamic viscosities; mesoscopic dynamics; shear thinning; colloid growth model; polymer gels; fractals); 5. Glassy-state relaxation (equilibrium state; free-volume distribution; fractal dynamic theory of glasses; relaxation function and time; relaxation spectrum; volume relaxation and recovery; PVT equation of state); 6. Glassy polymers (glass transition; physical aging; dynamic viscoelastic properties; yield behaviour; stress-induced glass transition; activation volume tensor; nonlinear stress-strain relationships); 7. Polymer composites (anisotropic elasticity; elastic constants; thermal expansion; stress concentration; nonequilibrium mechanical properties; compatible polymer blends; molecular composites; nanocomposites; Eshelby's tensor); 8. Rough surfaces and interfaces (fractal surfaces; noise and fluctuation; fluctuations of contact line; wetting and adhesion; critical surface tension; dynamics of wetting; adhesional friction; deformational friction; diffuse scattering; surface growth; surface forces). The book also contains references and an index. The book treats the subject in a systematic manner, giving the mathematical rigour necessary to describe the mechanical phenomena. Many examples, numerical results and diagrams illustrate the theory. On balance, this monograph is a useful reference work.