Kappa Distributions: Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics of Space and Astrophysical Plasmas

Kappa distributions received impetus as they provide efficient modelling of the observed particle distributions in space and astrophysical plasmas throughout the heliosphere. This paper presents (i) the connection of kappa distributions with statistical mechanics, by maximizing the associated q-entr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Universe (Basel) 2018-12, Vol.4 (12), p.144
Main Author:	Livadiotis, George
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	astrophysical plasmas Energy Entropy Equilibrium kappa distributions nonextensive statistical mechanics Probability distribution Statistical mechanics Thermodynamics Velocity
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Kappa distributions received impetus as they provide efficient modelling of the observed particle distributions in space and astrophysical plasmas throughout the heliosphere. This paper presents (i) the connection of kappa distributions with statistical mechanics, by maximizing the associated q-entropy under the constraints of the canonical ensemble within the framework of continuous description; (ii) the derivation of q-entropy from first principles that characterize space plasmas, the additivity of energy, and entropy; and (iii) the derivation of the characteristic first order differential equation, whose solution is the kappa distribution function.
ISSN:	2218-1997 2218-1997