Fractals, Scaling and Growth Far from Equilibrium

by Paul Meakin

Overview

This 1998 book describes the progress that had been made towards the development of a comprehensive understanding of the formation of complex, disorderly patterns under conditions far from equilibrium. The application of fractal geometry and scaling concepts to the quantitative description and understanding of structure formed under non-equilibrium conditions is described. Self-similar fractals, multi-fractals and scaling methods are discussed, with examples, to facilitate applications in the physical sciences. Computer simulations and experimental studies are emphasised, but the author also includes discussion of theoretical advances in the subject. Much of the book deals with diffusion-limited growth processes and the evolution of rough surfaces, although a broad range of other applications is also included. The techniques and topics will be relevant to graduate students and researchers in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering and the earth sciences, interested in applying the ideas of fractals and scaling.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521452533
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/27/1997
Series:	Cambridge Nonlinear Science Series , #5
Pages:	694
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.42(d)

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Pattern formation far from equilibrium; 2. Fractals and scaling; 3. The basic models; 4. Experimental studies; 5. The growth of surfaces and interfaces; Appendix I. Instabilities; Appendix II. Multifractals; Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

Review of the hardback: '… a true work of scholarship and a very helpful starting point into the appropriate research papers … The book is handsomely produced … A good investment for an institutional library in an important area of modern research.' Stephen K. Scott Chemistry in Britain

Review of the hardback: 'In Fractals, Scaling and Growth Far from Equilibrium Paul Meakin gives a masterly survey of the mathematical tools available for describing such surfaces, summarises models of growth and relevant experimental studies, and then applies the mathematics of fractals and scaling to the growth of surfaces and interfaces in materials. This book provides an authoritative account for graduate students and researcher studying the geometry of surfaces and interfaces. [It] provides a definitive account of the mathematical description of shapes of systems far from equilibrium, and richly deserves inclusion in the prestigious Cambridge Nonlinear Science series.' Andrew Briggs The Times Higher Education Supplement

Review of the hardback: 'This monograph provides and extensive exposition of the fundamental aspect of scaling, pattern formation far-from-equilibrium and fractals … The mathematical treatment of the book is carefully presented, emphasising the results, rather than intricate mathematical detail … the book provides [a] readable treatment of the basics of fractal geometry and scaling, to facilitate quantification of the structures grown under the non-equilibrium conditions … an extensive bibliography of over 1300 references makes this monograph a solid contribution in the field.' Miroslav M. Novak UK Nonlinear News

From the Publisher