This mathematically-oriented introduction takes the point of view that students should become familiar, at an early stage, with the physics of relativistic continua and thermodynamics within the framework of special relativity. Therefore, in addition to standard textbook topics such as relativistic kinematics and vacuum electrodynamics, the reader will be thoroughly introduced to relativistic continuum and fluid mechanics. Emphasis in the presentation is on the 3+1 splitting technique, widely used in general relativity for introducing the relative observers point of view.

Inhalt

Classical Physics: Axiomatic Formulation.- Space-Time Geometry and Relativistic Kinematics.- Test Particle Dynamics.- Applications.- Relativistic Kinematics for a Three-Dimensional Continuum.- Elements of Classical Dynamics of a Continuum.- Elements of Relativistic Dynamics of a Continuum.- Elements of Relativistic Thermodynamics of a Continuum.- Relativistic Electromagnetism in Vacuum.