This book covers a new explanation of the origin of Hamiltonian chaos and its quantitative characterization. The subject of the book is very original and nothing similar has been written hitherto. There are numerous illustrations throughout and the book will be of interest to both mathematicians and physicists. The author focuses on two main areas: Riemannian formulation of Hamiltonian dynamics, providing an original viewpoint about the relationship between geodesic instability and curvature properties of the mechanical manifolds; and a topological theory of thermodynamic phase transitions, relating topology changes of microscopic configuration space with the generation of singularities of thermodynamic observables. The two areas are strongly related because the geometrization of microscopic dynamics, which is the ultimate physical source of phase transitions, naturally leads to investigate how geometry and topology of the mechanical manifolds have to change to induce a phase transition.

The subject of the book is very original and nothing similar has been written hitherto Will be of interest to both mathematicians and physicists Numerous illustrations throughout

Autorentext
The author is one of few pioneering individuals in this recently emerged important research area. His book will be a unique contribution to the field.

Klappentext

This book explores the foundations of hamiltonian dynamical systems and statistical mechanics, in particular phase transition, from the point of view of geometry and topology. A broad participation of topology in these fields has been lacking and this book will provide a welcome overview of the current research in the area, in which the author himself is a pioneer. Using geometrical thinking to solve fundamental problems in these areas, compared to the purely analytical methods usually used in physics could be highly productive. The author skillfully guides the reader, whether mathematician or physicists through the background needed to understand and use these techniques.

Dr. Marco Pettini is affiliated with the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica â" Osservatorio Astrofisico di Arretri in Firenze, Italy.

From the foreword:

"It is in particular the quality of mind of the author and his deep physical, as well as mathematical insights, which make this book so special and inspiring. It is a "must" for those who want to venture into a new approach to old problems or want to use new tools for new problems." -- Professor E. G. D. Cohen, Rockefellar University, New York.

Inhalt
Background in Physics.- Geometrization of Hamiltonian Dynamics.- Integrability.- Geometry and Chaos.- Geometry of Chaos and Phase Transitions.- Topological Hypothesis on the Origin.- Geometry, Topology and Thermodynamics.- Phase Transitions and Topology: Necessity Theorems.- Phase Transitions and Topology: Exact Results.- Future Developments.