Peter A. Becker, ST1 room 111, telephone 993-3619
Reference Text 1: ``Radiative Processes in Astrophysics'' by Rybicki & Lightman
Reference Text 2: ``High-Energy Astrophysics'' by Katz
Reference Text 3: ``Fundamentals of Statistical and Thermal Physics'' by Reif
This course will provide an overview of the theory of astrophysical nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The specific goals of the course are as follows:
(i) review basic concepts in nonequilibrium thermodynamics.
(ii) develop the formal basis for constructing equations that model interesting astrophysical transport processes.
(iii) examine computational implementation of solutions using a variety of techniques, including classical analysis and numerical simulation.
The topics we will be discussing include:
Lorentz transformation and treatment of relativistic
particle motion.
Acceleration of relativistic particles; first-
and second-order Fermi mechanisms; particle distribution functions;
Fokker-Planck equations.
Thermal Comptonization in astrophysical plasmas;
X-ray and gamma-ray emission; steady-state models; self-consistent
cooling.
Cosmic-ray transport.
Self-gravitating systems dynamics.
Shock waves in astrophysics; classical fluid dynamics;
gas-dominated shocks; radiation-dominated shocks; simple models for
radiation transport.
Grades will be based on weekly homework (20%), class participation (10%), a midterm project (30%), and a final project (40%).
