Abstract
This paper presents arguments proving that several kinds of experimental preparation procedures for classical systems lead in certain limits to initial distributions that are functions only of macroscopic variables.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
M. Aoki,Optimization of Stochastic Systems, Academic Press, New York (1967).
D. Ruelle,Statistical Mechanics, Benjamin, New York (1969).
J. M. Richardson,J. Math. Anal. Appl. 1:12–60 (1960).
J. W. Gibbs,Elementary Principles in Statistical Mechanics, Dover, New York (1960), pp. 144–145.
E. Hopf,J. Math. Phys. 13:51 (1934).
V. I. Arnold and A. Avez,Ergodic Problems in Statistical Mechanics, Benjamin, New York (1968).
B. L. van der Waerden,Mathematical Statistics, Springer-Verlag, New York (1969).
A. S. Wightman, inStatistical Mechanics at the Turn of the Decade (E. G. D. Cohen, ed.), Marcel Dekker, New York (1971); also J. L. Lebowitz and O. Penrose,Physics Today 26:23-29 (1973).
H. Poincaré,Méthodes Nouvelle de la Mécanique Céleste, Gauthiers-Villars, Paris, 1892; reprinted by Dover, New York.
I. E. Farquhar,Ergodic Theory in Statistical Mechanics, Interscience, New York (1964).
J. von Neumann,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.) 18:70–82 (1932).
G. D. Birkhoff,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.) 17:656–660 (1931).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Contract F44620-72-C-0072.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Richardson, J.M. The initial distribution in classical statistical mechanics. J Stat Phys 11, 323–341 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01009792
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01009792