Elements of Cosmological Thermodynamics

Description

Based on the author’s own work and results obtained by renowned cosmologists, this short book provides a concise introduction to the relatively new research field of cosmological thermodynamics. Starting with a brief overview of basic cosmology and thermodynamics, the text gives an interesting account of the application of horizon thermodynamics to the homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) model, the inhomogeneous (Lemaitre-Tolman-Bondi) LTB model, and the gravitationally induced adiabatic particle creation scenario which is considered to be a viable alternative to the concordance Lambda-CDM model of the Universe. Both seasoned and new researchers in this field will appreciate the lucid presentation and the rich bibliography. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvii Fundamentals of Relativistic Cosmology (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 1-20 A Brief Overview of Equilibrium Thermodynamics (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 21-28 Cosmological Thermodynamics (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 29-37 Cosmological Thermodynamics in FLRW Model (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 39-50 Cosmological Thermodynamics in the Gravitationally Induced Particle Creation Mechanism (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 51-63 Possible Applications in Inhomogeneous Cosmological Models (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 65-72 Controversies and Open Issues in Cosmological Thermodynamics (Subhajit Saha)....Pages 73-75 Back Matter ....Pages 77-79