No label defined (Q4264347)

This book is a compilation of the review papers, expositions and some of the technical works of Leo Kadanoff, a theoretical physicist. The objective is to put together a group of not-too-technical writing in which he discusses some issues in condensed matter physics, hydrodynamics, applied mathematics and national policy. This expanded edition is divided into five sections. The first section contains review papers on hydrodynamics, condensed matter physics and field theory. Next is a selection of papers on scaling and universality, particularly as applied to phase changes. A change of pace is provided by a series of papers on the critical analysis of simulation models of urban economic and social development. The book concludes with a series of recent papers on complex patterns. Each major section has an introduction designed to tie the work together and to provide perspective on the subject matter. Contents: List of publications; General introduction: the worlds of science 1; Section A. Fundamental issues in hydrodynamics, condensed matter and field theory: from level to level (9 papers); Section B. Scaling and phase transitions: on the joys of creation (11 papers); Section C. Simulations, urban studies, and social systems: models and arguments (7 papers); Section D. Turbulence and chaos: questions without answers (11 papers); Section E. Complex patterns: from correlation to complexity (12 papers). For the first volume see Zbl 0933.01035.