Kinetic Theory in the Expanding Universe

by Jeremy Bernstein

Overview

Kinetic Theory in the Expanding Universe is a self-contained exposition of the applications of kinetic theory to basic problems in modern cosmology, such as the role of stable and unstable massive neutrinos and the theory of cosmological helium production. There has been rapid development of the theory of the origin and evolution of the universe in recent years, stimulated, in large part, by new observations and theories in astrophysics and particle physics. Bernstein takes a different approach and studies what can be concluded from the application of kinetic theory, and in particular the Boltzmann equation and its solutions, to cosmological problems. He begins with a brief survey of the necessary relativity, cosmodynamics, and kinetic theory, before going on to discuss specific problems, such as the role of stable and unstable massive neutrinos, electron-positron annihilation and the theory of cosomological helium production. The focus is in obtaining both a theoretical understanding and concrete numerical results.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521360500
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/26/1988
Series:	Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.51(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Tools: relativity; 2. Tools: cosmodynamics; 3. Tools: kinetic theory; 4. The canonical example; 5. The generalized Lee-Weinberg problem: background; 6. The generalized Lee-Weinberg problem: examples; 7. Unstable particles; 8. The recombination regime; 9. Cosmological helium production; Appendixes; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Slim monograph provides graduate students and researchers with a fairly detailed account of the formal problems encountered and physical processes illuminated when the Boltzmann equation is studied in a general relativistic context. Nine brief chapters and five appendicies, the whole very attractively typeset and bound. (NW) Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"The book is of great interest for relativists, cosmologists, astrophysicists and particle physicists, as well as for theoretical physicists or mathematicians in general."
Gheorghe Zet, MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS

From the Publisher