Description
Relativistic hydrodynamics is a very successful theoretical framework to describe the dynamics of matter from scales as small as those of colliding elementary particles, up to the largest scales in the universe. This book provides an up-to-date, lively, and approachable introduction to the mathematical formalism, numerical techniques, and applications of relativistic hydrodynamics. The topic is typically covered either by very formal or by very phenomenological books, but is instead presented here in a form that will be appreciated both by students and researchers in the field. The topics covered in the book are the results of work carried out over the last 40 years, which can be found in rather technical research articles with dissimilar notations and styles. The book is not just a collection of scattered information, but a well-organized description of relativistic hydrodynamics, from the basic principles of statistical kinetic theory, down to the technical aspects of numerical methods devised for the solution of the equations, and over to the applications in modern physics and astrophysics. Numerous figures, diagrams, and a variety of exercises aid the material in the book. The most obvious applications of this work range from astrophysics (black holes, neutron stars, gamma-ray bursts, and active galaxies) to cosmology (early-universe hydrodynamics and phase transitions) and particle physics (heavy-ion collisions). It is often said that fluids are either seen as solutions of partial differential equations or as "wet". Fluids in this book are definitely wet, but the mathematical beauty of differential equations is not washed out.
About the Author
Luciano Rezzolla received his PhD in Astrophysics in 1997 at International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste. After being a Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he returned to SISSA in 1999 as Associate Professor and Director of the Computing Centre. From 2006 to 2013 he joined the Albert Einstein Institute in Potsdam (Max-Planck Institute for gravitational physics) as the Head of the Numerical-Relativity Research. Since 2013 he is Chair of Theoretical Relativistic Astrophysics at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Frankfurt. He has worked in several areas of relativistic hydrodynamics and relativistic astrophysics, ranging from the investigation of fundamental issues to the construction of advanced numerical codes for the simulation of sources of gravitational waves. Olindo Zanotti received his PhD is Astrophysics in 2002 at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste. Since then he has worked as Research Associate at the University of Valencia (Spain), at the University of Florence (Italy), at the Notre Dame University (USA), and at the Albert Einstein Institute (Germany). His specific interests include accretion-disc physics, plasma physics, and numerical methods for the solution of hyperbolic equations. He carried out research at the University of Trento.
Reviews
This is a very informative and very useful book indeed, written with clarity and pedagogical skill by two of the leading experts in this fascinating field. The readership may range from the advanced undergraduate to the senior expert. The value-to-money ratio is exceptional. I am sure it will become a standard reference for many years to come. * Domenico Giulini, General Relativity and Gravitation *
The book by Rezzolla and Zanotti offers a comprehensive and detailed coverage of the theory, numerical methods and applications of relativistic hydrodynamics. Its breadth and depth are impressive and will likely make it a classic text in the field. [...] The book leaves little to wish for, and for readers who now enter the field of numerical relativistic hydrodynamics it will become an invaluable companion in their career as researchers. * Classical and Quantum Gravity *
This book covers a long missing gap in the scientific literature. It provides a didactic, coherent description of Relativistic Hydrodynamics, a subject that falls between relativity and hydrodynamics, and as such missed by textbooks in either field. A good grasp of relativistic hydrodynamics is essential for students and researchers working in relativistic astrophysics, one of the most flourishing branches of astrophysics today. In addition to providing a clear and broad exposition of the theoretical foundation, the book covers extensively numerical methods as well as applications to a variety of astronomical phenomena ranging from relativistic jets to neutron star binaries. * Tsvi Piran, Racah Institute of Physics *
For the unique content, I recommend this book unreservedly, to anyone who is interested or wants to learn more about thi fascinating topic. * John M. Stewart, Contemporary Physics *
Relativistic hydrodynamics is an essential tool for astrophysicists and cosmologists in their quest to understand the universe. For many years, they have needed a modern text that introduces the subject pedagogically, and carries the reader to the level of maturity required for modern research. This book, at last, fills this need, and it does so superbly. It is likely to be the definitive book on the subject for many years to come. * Kip S. Thorne, California Institute of Technology *
This impressive work will doubtlessly be of great use for many people working in relativistic hydrodynamics, be it students or more experienced researchers. * Ewald Mueller, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics *
The book is an excellent introduction to the topic of relativistic hydrodynamics, covering all aspects from kinetic theory to modern numerical applications in evolving spacetimes. Two leading experts in this field have provided the physical and astrophysical community with this rigorous, comprehensive, and up-to-date treatise, which I am sure will soon become a classic textbook for many advanced courses on high-energy physics and astrophysics. * Luca Del Zanna, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence *
This book provides, with an impressive breadth and depth, a clear view of the mathematics, numerical methods, and applications of general relativistic hydrodynamics, featuring advanced topics on reaction fronts and non-ideal fluids as well as a comprehensive review of high-resolution shock-capturing methods. It is destined to become a necessity for anyone teaching, studying, or working in this field. * Pablo Laguna, Center for Relativistic Astrophysics, Georgia Institute of Technology *
Book Information
ISBN 9780198807599
Author Luciano Rezzolla
Format Paperback
Page Count 760
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 170mm * 36mm
About the Author
Luciano Rezzolla received his PhD in Astrophysics in 1997 at International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste. After being a Research Associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he returned to SISSA in 1999 as Associate Professor and Director of the Computing Centre. From 2006 to 2013 he joined the Albert Einstein Institute in Potsdam (Max-Planck Institute for gravitational physics) as the Head of the Numerical-Relativity Research. Since 2013 he is Chair of Theoretical Relativistic Astrophysics at the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Frankfurt. He has worked in several areas of relativistic hydrodynamics and relativistic astrophysics, ranging from the investigation of fundamental issues to the construction of advanced numerical codes for the simulation of sources of gravitational waves. Olindo Zanotti received his PhD is Astrophysics in 2002 at the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste. Since then he has worked as Research Associate at the University of Valencia (Spain), at the University of Florence (Italy), at the Notre Dame University (USA), and at the Albert Einstein Institute (Germany). His specific interests include accretion-disc physics, plasma physics, and numerical methods for the solution of hyperbolic equations. He carried out research at the University of Trento.
Reviews
This is a very informative and very useful book indeed, written with clarity and pedagogical skill by two of the leading experts in this fascinating field. The readership may range from the advanced undergraduate to the senior expert. The value-to-money ratio is exceptional. I am sure it will become a standard reference for many years to come. * Domenico Giulini, General Relativity and Gravitation *
The book by Rezzolla and Zanotti offers a comprehensive and detailed coverage of the theory, numerical methods and applications of relativistic hydrodynamics. Its breadth and depth are impressive and will likely make it a classic text in the field. [...] The book leaves little to wish for, and for readers who now enter the field of numerical relativistic hydrodynamics it will become an invaluable companion in their career as researchers. * Classical and Quantum Gravity *
This book covers a long missing gap in the scientific literature. It provides a didactic, coherent description of Relativistic Hydrodynamics, a subject that falls between relativity and hydrodynamics, and as such missed by textbooks in either field. A good grasp of relativistic hydrodynamics is essential for students and researchers working in relativistic astrophysics, one of the most flourishing branches of astrophysics today. In addition to providing a clear and broad exposition of the theoretical foundation, the book covers extensively numerical methods as well as applications to a variety of astronomical phenomena ranging from relativistic jets to neutron star binaries. * Tsvi Piran, Racah Institute of Physics *
For the unique content, I recommend this book unreservedly, to anyone who is interested or wants to learn more about thi fascinating topic. * John M. Stewart, Contemporary Physics *
Relativistic hydrodynamics is an essential tool for astrophysicists and cosmologists in their quest to understand the universe. For many years, they have needed a modern text that introduces the subject pedagogically, and carries the reader to the level of maturity required for modern research. This book, at last, fills this need, and it does so superbly. It is likely to be the definitive book on the subject for many years to come. * Kip S. Thorne, California Institute of Technology *
This impressive work will doubtlessly be of great use for many people working in relativistic hydrodynamics, be it students or more experienced researchers. * Ewald Mueller, Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics *
The book is an excellent introduction to the topic of relativistic hydrodynamics, covering all aspects from kinetic theory to modern numerical applications in evolving spacetimes. Two leading experts in this field have provided the physical and astrophysical community with this rigorous, comprehensive, and up-to-date treatise, which I am sure will soon become a classic textbook for many advanced courses on high-energy physics and astrophysics. * Luca Del Zanna, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence *
This book provides, with an impressive breadth and depth, a clear view of the mathematics, numerical methods, and applications of general relativistic hydrodynamics, featuring advanced topics on reaction fronts and non-ideal fluids as well as a comprehensive review of high-resolution shock-capturing methods. It is destined to become a necessity for anyone teaching, studying, or working in this field. * Pablo Laguna, Center for Relativistic Astrophysics, Georgia Institute of Technology *
Book Information
ISBN 9780198807599
Author Luciano Rezzolla
Format Paperback
Page Count 760
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 170mm * 36mm
