statistical mechanics
Microcanonical Entropy and Mesoscale Dislocation Mechanics and Plasticity
(Journal of Elasticity, Carlson memorial Volume)
A methodology is devised to utilize the statistical mechanical entropy of an isolated, constrained atomistic system to define the dissipative driving-force and energetic fields in continuum thermomechanics. A thermodynamic model of dislocation mechanics is discussed. One outcome is a definition for the mesoscale back-stress tensor and the symmetric, polar dislocation density-dependent, Cauchy stress tensor from atomistic ingredients.
Free Energy
For a system in thermal contact with the rest of the world, we have described three quantities: entropy, energy, and temperature. We have also described the idea of a constraint internal to the system, and associated this constraint to an internal variable.
Lecture notes on "Elasticity" and "Statistical Mechanics"
The lecture notes of the two courses I taught at Stanford University during the last two quarters, "ME 340 Elasticity" and "ME 334 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics", are available in PDF format online at:
http://micro.stanford.edu/~caiwei/me340/
http://micro.stanford.edu/~caiwei/me334/
Perhaps it could be useful to you.
What is "randomness"?
Forums
Does the word "randomness" have antonym? If yes, what is it? Why? What view of randomness does that imply?
A book on mechanics that would pique your curiosity
Forums
I am happy to recommend the following book for your general reading.
Ranganath, G.S., ``Mysterious Motions and other Intriguing Phenomena in Physics," Hyderabad, India: Universities Press (2001)
thermodynamics of nanoscale small systems
How to measure the temperature of a nanotube?