Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015. — 497 pp. — (Springer Series in Synergetics). — ISBN: 978-3-319-12468-1 (Print) 978-3-319-12469-8 (Online).
This book addresses the application of methods used in statistical physics to complex systems—from simple phenomenological analogies to more complex aspects, such as correlations, fluctuation-dissipation theorem, the concept of free energy, renormalization group approach and scaling. Statistical physics contains a well-developed formalism that describes phase transitions. It is useful to apply this formalism for damage phenomena as well. Fractals, the Ising model, percolation, damage mechanics, fluctuations, free energy formalism, renormalization group, and scaling, are some of the topics covered in Statistical Physics of Phase Transitions.
Presents a systematic approach to build analogies between complex systems' behavior and statistical physics
Directly addresses questions of the applicability of statistical physics to complex systems
Contains many exercises and is richly illustrated
Fractals
Ensemble Theory in Statistical Physics: Free Energy Potential
The Ising Model
The Theory of Percolation
Damage Phenomena
Correlations, Susceptibility, and the Fluctuation–Dissipation Theorem
The Renormalization Group
Scaling: The Finite-Size Effect and Crossover Effects