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Paper   IPM / P / 13453
School of Physics
  Title:   Thermodynamics of a morphological transition in a relativistic gas
  Author(s): 
1.  A. Montakhab
2.  L. Shahsavar
3.  M. Ghodrat
  Status:   To Appear
  Journal: Physica A
  Supported by:  IPM
  Abstract:
Recently, a morphological transition in the velocity distribution of a relativistic gas has been pointed out which shows hallmarks of a critical phenomenon. Here, we provide a general framework which allows for a thermodynamic approach to such a critical phenomenon. We therefore construct a thermodynamic potential which upon expansion leads to Landau-like (mean-field) theory of phase transition. We are therefore able to calculate critical exponents and explain the spontaneous emergence of örder parameter" as a result of relativistic constraints. Numerical solutions which confirm our thermodynamic approach are also provided. Our approach provides a general understanding of such a transition as well as leading to some new results. Finally, we briefly discuss some possible physical consequences of our results as well as considering the case of quantum relativistic gases.

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