Classical mechanics of nonspherical bodies. II. Boltzmann equation and H‐theorem in two dimensions

1982 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 547-551
Author(s):  
Yves Elskens ◽  
David Speiser
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Classical Mechanics ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
H Theorem

The Analogical Turn (1884–1887)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Darrigol
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Mechanical System ◽  
Thermal Equilibrium ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
Second Law Of Thermodynamics ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Equipartition Theorem ◽  
Royal Road ◽  
H Theorem

This chapter recounts how Boltzmann reacted to Hermann Helmholtz’s analogy between thermodynamic systems and a special kind of mechanical system (the “monocyclic systems”) by grouping all attempts to relate thermodynamics to mechanics, including the kinetic-molecular analogy, into a family of partial analogies all derivable from what we would now call a microcanonical ensemble. At that time, Boltzmann regarded ensemble-based statistical mechanics as the royal road to the laws of thermal equilibrium (as we now do). In the same period, he returned to the Boltzmann equation and the H theorem in reply to Peter Guthrie Tait’s attack on the equipartition theorem. He also made a non-technical survey of the second law of thermodynamics seen as a law of probability increase.

The Boltzmann Equation and the H Theorem (1872–1875)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Darrigol
Keyword(s):  
Heat Conduction ◽  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Transport Phenomena ◽  
Dilute Gas ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
H Theorem ◽  
Irreversible Evolution

This chapter covers Boltzmann’s writings about the Boltzmann equation and the H theorem in the period 1872–1875, through which he succeeded in deriving the irreversible evolution of the distribution of molecular velocities in a dilute gas toward Maxwell’s distribution. Boltzmann also used his equation to improve on Maxwell’s theory of transport phenomena (viscosity, diffusion, and heat conduction). The bulky memoir of 1872 and the eponymous equation probably are Boltzmann’s most famous achievements. Despite the now often obsolete ways of demonstration, despite the lengthiness of the arguments, and despite hidden difficulties in the foundations, Boltzmann there displayed his constructive skills at their best.

Approach to Equilibrium, the H-Theorem and Irreversibility

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sauro Succi
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Approach To Equilibrium ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
H Theorem ◽  
Irreversible Evolution

Like most of the greatest equations in science, the Boltzmann equation is not only beautiful but also generous. Indeed, it delivers a great deal of information without imposing a detailed knowledge of its solutions. In fact, Boltzmann himself derived most if not all of his main results without ever showing that his equation did admit rigorous solutions. This Chapter illustrates one of the most profound contributions of Boltzmann, namely the famous H-theorem, providing the first quantitative bridge between the irreversible evolution of the macroscopic world and the reversible laws of the underlying microdynamics.

On the conditions of validity of the Boltzmann equation and Boltzmann H-theorem

2013 ◽  
Vol 128 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Tessarotto ◽  
Claudio Cremaschini ◽  
Marco Tessarotto
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
The Boltzmann Equation ◽  
H Theorem

General solution of a Boltzmann equation, and the formation of Maxwellian tails

1981 ◽  
Vol 374 (1758) ◽  
pp. 371-400 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Boltzmann Equation ◽  
General Solution ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Relative Velocity ◽  
Collision Cross Section ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Initial Condition ◽  
Finite Time Interval ◽  
Classical Boltzmann Equation

A classical Boltzmann equation is studied. The equation describes the evolution towards the Maxwellian equilibrium state of a homogeneous, isotropic gas where the collision cross section is inversely proportional to the relative velocity of the colliding particles. After Tjon & Wu (1979), the problem is transformed into a mathematically equivalent one, itself a model Boltzmann equation in two dimensions. Working in the context of the latter equation, a formal derivation of the general solution is presented. First a countable ensemble of particular solutions, called pure solutions , is constructed. From these, via a non-linear combination mechanism, the general solution is obtained in a form appropriate for direct numerical computation. The validity of the solution depends upon its containment in a well defined Hilbert space H~ Given that the initial condition lies within H~ it is proved that at least for a small finite time interval it remains in H~.

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