This book focuses on mixed crystals formed by molecular substances. The emphasis lies on the elucidation of the structural and thermodynamic properties of two-component systems. Thanks to the fact that the research efforts have been directed to a number of families of chemically coherent substances, rather than to a collection of isolated systems, the knowledge of mixed crystals has substantially increased. This is reflected by the discovery of several empirical relationships between thermodynamic properties, crystallographic properties, and also between thermodynamic mixing properties and exothermodynamic parameters, such as the structural mismatch between the components of the binary systems. This book is a benchmark for material scientists and a unique starting point for anyone interested in mixed crystals.

This introduction to thermodynamics discusses typical phase diagrams features and presents the wide range of techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermogravimetry and others. In the last part the author brings many examples for typical practical problems often solved by thermal analysis. As an instructive guideline for practitioners the work reveals the connection between experimental data and theoretical model and vice versa.

In recent years, scientists and researchers have been continually searching for efficient and effective ways to harness solar energy for heat and power production. The development of solar technologies and thermal systems are a prevalent area of study, as they represent a vital step in fully optimizing the potential of solar energy. Unfortunately, research is still lacking on the development and application of these solar thermal systems. Modeling and Optimization of Solar Thermal Systems: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of optimizing the performance of solar thermal technologies using multicriteria decision-making techniques. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as parabolic trough collectors, hybrid solar energy, and thermal technology, this book is ideally designed for practitioners, engineers, academicians, researchers, students, industry professionals, and educators seeking current research on modern modeling methods of solar thermal systems.

This book contains contributions presented at the 12th International Conference on Complex Networks (CompleNet), 24-26 May 2021. CompleNet is an international conference on complex networks that brings together researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines-from sociology, biology, physics, and computer science-who share a passion to better understand the interdependencies within and across systems. CompleNet is a venue to discuss ideas and findings about all types networks, from biological, to technological, to informational and social. It is this interdisciplinary nature of complex networks that CompleNet aims to explore and celebrate.

This book presents the optimal auxiliary functions method and applies it to various engineering problems and in particular in boundary layer problems. The cornerstone of the presented procedure is the concept of "optimal auxiliary functions" which are needed to obtain accurate results in an efficient way. Unlike other known analytic approaches, this procedure provides us with a simple but rigorous way to control and adjust the convergence of the solutions of nonlinear dynamical systems. The optimal auxiliary functions are depending on some convergence-control parameters whose optimal values are rigorously determined from mathematical point of view. The capital strength of our procedure is its fast convergence, since after only one iteration, we obtain very accurate analytical solutions which are very easy to be verified. Moreover, no simplifying hypothesis or assumptions are made. The book contains a large amount of practical models from various fields of engineering such as classical and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear oscillations, electrical machines, and many more. The book is a continuation of our previous books "Nonlinear Dynamical Systems in Engineering. Some Approximate Approaches", Springer-2011 and "The Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method. Engineering Applications", Springer-2015.

This thesis demonstrates the potential of two platforms to explore experimentally the emerging field of quantum thermodynamics that has remained mostly theoretical so far. It proposes methods to define and measure work in the quantum regime. The most important part of the thesis focuses on hybrid optomechanical devices, evidencing that they are proper candidates to measure directly the fluctuations of work and the corresponding fluctuation theorem. Such devices could also give rise to the observation of mechanical lasing and cooling, based on mechanisms similar to a heat engine. The final part of the thesis studies how quantum coherence can improve work extraction in superconducting circuits. All the proposals greatly clarify the concept of work since they are based on measurable quantities in state of the art devices.

This book explores recent developments in theoretical research and data analysis of real-world complex systems, organized in three parts, namely Entropy, information, and complexity functions Multistability, oscillations, and rhythmic synchronization Diffusions, rotation, and convection in fluids The collection of works devoted to the memory of Professor Valentin Afraimovich provides a deep insight into the recent developments in complexity science by introducing new concepts, methods, and applications in nonlinear dynamical systems covering physical problems and mathematical modelling relevant to economics, genetics, engineering vibrations, as well as classic problems in physics, fluid and climate dynamics, and urban dynamics. The book facilitates a better understanding of the mechanisms and phenomena in nonlinear dynamics and develops the corresponding mathematical theory to apply nonlinear design to practical engineering. It can be read by mathematicians, physicists, complex systems scientists, IT specialists, civil engineers, data scientists, and urban planners.

This book discusses non-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics, recently explored in an analog quantum simulator of strongly correlated ultracold atoms. The first part presents a field-theoretical analysis of the experimental observability of the Higgs amplitude mode that emerges as a relativistic collective excitation near a quantum phase transition of superfluid Bose gases in an optical lattice potential. The author presents the dynamical susceptibilities to external driving of the microscopic parameters, taking into account a leading-order perturbative correction from quantum and thermal fluctuations and shows clear signatures of the Higgs mode in these observables. This is the first result that strongly supports the stability of the Higgs mode in three-dimensional optical lattices even in the presence of a spatially inhomogeneous confinement potential and paves the way for desktop observations of the Higgs mode. In the second part, the author applies the semi-classical truncated-Wigner approximation (TWA) to far-from-equilibrium quantum dynamics. Specifically, he considers the recent experiments on quantum-quench dynamics in a Bose-Hubbard quantum simulator. A direct comparison shows remarkable agreement between the numerical results from TWA and the experimental data. This result clearly indicates the potential of such a semi-classical approach in reliably simulating many-body systems using classical computers. The book also includes several chapters providing comprehensive reviews of the recent studies on cold-atomic quantum simulation and various theoretical methods, including the Schwinger-boson approach in strongly correlated systems and the phase-space semi-classical method for far-from-equilibrium quantum dynamics. These chapters are highly recommended to students and young researchers who are interested in semi-classical approaches in non-equilibrium quantum dynamics.

This is the first book devoted to chimera states - peculiar partial synchronization patterns in networks. Providing an overview of the state of the art in research on this topic, it explores how these hybrid states, which are composed of spatially separated domains of synchronized and desynchronized behavior, arise surprisingly in networks of identical units and symmetric coupling topologies. The book not only describes various types of chimeras, but also discusses the role of time delay, stochasticity, and network topology for these synchronization-desynchronization patterns. Moreover, it addresses the question of robustness and control of chimera states, which have various applications in physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. This book is intended for researchers with a background in physics, applied mathematics, or engineering. Of great interest to specialists working on related problems, it is also a valuable resource for newcomers to the field and other scientists working on the control of spatio-temporal patterns.

Statistical physics examines the collective properties of large ensembles of particles, and is a powerful theoretical tool with important applications across many different scientific disciplines. This book provides a detailed introduction to classical and quantum statistical physics, including links to topics at the frontiers of current research. The first part of the book introduces classical ensembles, provides an extensive review of quantum mechanics, and explains how their combination leads directly to the theory of Bose and Fermi gases. This allows a detailed analysis of the quantum properties of matter, and introduces the exotic features of vacuum fluctuations. The second part discusses more advanced topics such as the two-dimensional Ising model and quantum spin chains. This modern text is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in the role of statistical physics in current research. 140 homework problems reinforce key concepts and further develop readers' understanding of the subject.

This book offers a comprehensive picture of nonequilibrium phenomena in nanoscale systems. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field, this book strikes a balance between theory and experiment, and includes in-depth introductions to nonequilibrium fluctuation relations, nonlinear dynamics and transport, single molecule experiments, and molecular diffusion in nanopores.
The authors explore the application of these concepts to nano- and biosystems by cross-linking key methods and ideas from nonequilibrium statistical physics, thermodynamics, stochastic theory, and dynamical systems. By providing an up-to-date survey of small systems physics, the text serves as both a valuable reference for experienced researchers and as an ideal starting point for graduate-level students entering this newly emerging research field.

Presenting in a coherent and accessible fashion current results in nanomagnetism, this book constitutes a comprehensive, rigorous and readable account, from first principles of the classical and quantum theories underlying the dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles subject to thermal fluctuations.Starting with the Larmor-like equation for a giant spin, both the stochastic (Langevin) equation of motion of the magnetization and the associated evolution (Fokker-Planck) equation for the distribution function of the magnetization orientations of ferromagnetic nanoparticles (classical spins) in a heat bath are developed along with their solution (using angular momentum theory) for arbitrary magnetocrystalline-Zeeman energy. Thus, observables such as the magnetization reversal time, relaxation functions, dynamic susceptibilities, etc. are calculated and compared with the predictions of classical escape rate theory including in the most general case spin-torque-transfer. Regarding quantum effects, which are based on the reduced spin density matrix evolution equation in Hilbert space as is described at length, they are comprehensively treated via the Wigner-Stratonovich formulation of the quantum mechanics of spins via their orientational quasi-probability distributions on a classically meaningful representation space. Here, as suggested by the relevant Weyl symbols, the latter is the configuration space of the polar angles. Hence, one is led, by mapping the reduced density matrix equation onto that space, to a master equation for the quasi-probability evolution akin to the Fokker-Planck equation which may be solved in a similar way. Thus, one may study in a classical-like manner the evolution of observables with spin number ranging from an elementary spin to molecular clusters to the classical limit, viz. a nanoparticle. The entire discussion hinges on the one-to-one correspondence between polarization operators in Hilbert space and the spherical harmonics allied to concepts of spin coherent states long familiar in quantum optics.Catering for the reader with only a passing knowledge of statistical and quantum mechanics, the book serves as an introductory text on a complicated subject where the literature is remarkably sparse.

This book explores the role of exaptation in diverse areas of life, with examples ranging from biology to economics, social sciences and architecture. The concept of exaptation, introduced in evolutionary biology by Gould and Vrba in 1982, describes the possibility that already existing traits can be exploited for new purposes throughout the evolutionary process. Edited by three active scholars in the fields of biology, physics and economics, the book presents an interdisciplinary collection of expert viewpoints illustrating the importance of exaptation for interpreting current reality in various fields of investigation. Using the lenses of exaptation, the contributing authors show how to view the overall macroscopic landscape as comprising many disciplines, all working in unity within a single complex system. This book is the first to discuss exaptation in both hard and soft disciplines and highlights the role of this concept in understanding the birth of innovation by identifying key elements and ideas. It also offers a comprehensive guide to the emerging interdisciplinary field of exaptation, provides didactic explanations of the basic concepts, and avoids excessive jargon and heavy formalism. Its target audience includes graduate students in physics, biology, mathematics, economics, psychology and architecture; it will also appeal to established researchers in the humanities who wish to explore or enter this new science-driven interdisciplinary field.

This book shows how neural networks are applied to computational mechanics. Part I presents the fundamentals of neural networks and other machine learning method in computational mechanics. Part II highlights the applications of neural networks to a variety of problems of computational mechanics. The final chapter gives perspectives to the applications of the deep learning to computational mechanics.

This book presents the state of the art in social simulation as presented at the Social Simulation Conference 2019 in Mainz, Germany. It covers the developments in applications and methods of social simulation, addressing societal issues such as socio-ecological systems and policymaking. Methodological issues discussed include large-scale empirical calibration, model sharing and interdisciplinary research, as well as decision-making models, validation and the use of qualitative data in simulation modeling. Research areas covered include archaeology, cognitive science, economics, organization science and social simulation education. This book gives readers insight into the increasing use of social simulation in both its theoretical development and in practical applications such as policymaking whereby modeling and the behavior of complex systems is key. The book appeals to students, researchers and professionals in the various fields.

This textbook introduces the molecular side of physical chemistry. It offers students and practitioners a new approach to the subject by presenting numerous applications and solved problems that illustrate the concepts introduced for varied and complex technical situations. The book offers a balance between theory, tools, and practical applications. The text aims to be a practical manual for solving engineering problems in industries where processes depend on the chemical composition and physical properties of matter. The book is organized into three main topics: (I) the molecular structure of matter, (II) molecular models in thermodynamics, and (III) transport phenomena and mechanisms. Part I presents methods of analysis of the molecular behavior in a given system, while the following parts use these methods to study the equilibrium states of a material system and to analyze the processes that can take place when the system is in a state of non-equilibrium, in particular the transport phenomena. Molecular Physical Chemistry for Engineering Applications is designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in physical chemistry for engineers, applied physical chemistry, transport phenomena, colloidal chemistry, and transport/transfer processes. The book will also be a valuable reference guide for engineers, technicians, and scientists working in industry. Offers modeling techniques and tools for solving exercises and practical cases; Provides solutions and conclusions so students can follow results more closely; Step-by-step problem solving enables students to understand how to approach complex issues.

A new edition of the bestseller on convection heat transfer

A revised edition of the industry classic, "Convection Heat Transfer, Fourth Edition, "chronicles how the field of heat transfer has grown and prospered over the last two decades. This new edition is more accessible, while not sacrificing its thorough treatment of the most up-to-date information on current research and applications in the field.

One of the foremost leaders in the field, Adrian Bejan has pioneered and taught many of the methods and practices commonly used in the industry today. He continues this book's long-standing role as an inspiring, optimal study tool by providing: Coverage of how convection affects performance, and how convective flows can be configured so that performance is enhancedHow convective configurations have been evolving, from the flat plates, smooth pipes, and single-dimension fins of the earlier editions to new populations of configurations: tapered ducts, plates with multiscale features, dendritic fins, duct and plate assemblies (packages) for heat transfer density and compactness, etc.New, updated, and enhanced examples and problems that reflect the author's research and advances in the field since the last editionA solutions manual

Complete with hundreds of informative and original illustrations, "Convection Heat Transfer, Fourth Edition "is the most comprehensive and approachable text for students in schools of mechanical engineering.

Based on courses given at the universities of Texas and California, this book treats an active field of research that touches upon the foundations of physics and chemistry. It presents, in as simple a manner as possible, the basic mechanisms that determine the dynamical evolution of both classical and quantum systems in sufficient generality to include quantum phenomena. The book begins with a discussion of Noether's theorem, integrability, KAM theory, and a definition of chaotic behavior; continues with a detailed discussion of area-preserving maps, integrable quantum systems, spectral properties, path integrals, and periodically driven systems; and concludes by showing how to apply the ideas to stochastic systems. The presentation is complete and self-contained; appendices provide much of the needed mathematical background, and there are extensive references to the current literature; while problems at the ends of chapters help students clarify their understanding. This new edition has an updated presentation throughout, and a new chapter on open quantum systems.

This book presents the derivation of the fluctuation theorems with divergent entropy production and their application to fundamental problems in statistical physics. It explores the two basic aspects of the fluctuation theorems: i) Applicability in extreme situations with divergent entropy production, concluding that the fluctuation theorems remain valid under the notion of absolute irreversibility, and ii) utility in the investigation of classical enigmas in the framework of statistical physics, i.e., Gibbs and Loschmidt paradoxes. The book offers readers an overview of the research in fundamental statistical physics. Firstly it briefly but skillfully reviews the modern development of fluctuation theorems to found the key theme of the book. Secondly it concisely discusses historical issues of statistical physics in chronological order, along with the key literature in the field. They help readers easily follow the key developments in the fundamental research of statistical physics.

This short textbook covers roughly 13 weeks of lectures on advanced statistical mechanics at the graduate level. It starts with an elementary introduction to the theory of ensembles from classical mechanics, and then goes on to quantum statistical mechanics with density matrix. These topics are covered concisely and briefly. The advanced topics cover the mean-field theory for phase transitions, the Ising models and their exact solutions, and critical phenomena and their scaling theory. The mean-field theories are discussed thoroughly with several different perspectives - focusing on a single degree, or using Feynman-Jensen-Bogoliubov inequality, cavity method, or Landau theory. The renormalization group theory is mentioned only briefly. As examples of computational and numerical approach, there is a chapter on Monte Carlo method including the cluster algorithms. The second half of the book studies nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, which includes the Brownian motion, the Langevin and Fokker-Planck equations, Boltzmann equation, linear response theory, and the Jarzynski equality. The book ends with a brief discussion of irreversibility. The topics are supplemented by problem sets (with partial answers) and supplementary readings up to the current research, such as heat transport with a Fokker-Planck approach.