The contributions in this book address both the kinetic approach one using the Boltzmann equation for dissipative gases as well as the less established hydrodynamic description. The last part of the book is devoted to driven granular gases and their analogy with molecular fluids.

"Kinetic Theory of Granular Gases" provides an introduction to the rapidly developing theory of dissipative gas dynamics - a theory which has mainly evolved over the last decade. The book is aimed at readers from the advanced undergraduate level upwards and leads on to the present state of research. Throughout, special emphasis is put on a microscopically consistent description of pairwise particle collisions which leads to an impact-velocity-dependent coefficient of restitution. The description of the many-particle system, based on the Boltzmann equation, starts with the derivation of the velocity distribution function, followed by the investigation of self-diffusion and Brownian motion. Using hydrodynamical methods, transport processes and self-organized structure formation are studied. An appendix gives a brief introduction to event-driven molecular dynamics. A second appendix describes a novel mathematical technique for derivation of kinetic properties, which allows for the application of computer algebra. The text is self-contained, requiring no mathematical or physical knowledge beyond that of standard physics undergraduate level. The material is adequate for a one-semester course and contains chapter summaries as well as exercises with detailed solutions. The molecular dynamics and computer-algebra programs can be downloaded from a companion web page.

This title serves as an introduction to the application of numerical methods to systems of granular particles. Accordingly, emphasis is on a general understanding of the subject rather than on the presentation of latest advances in numerical algorithms.

"Granular Gases" are diluted many-particle systems in which the mean free path of the particles is much larger than the typical particle size, and where particle collisions occur dissipatively. The dissipation of kinetic energy can lead to effects such as the formation of clusters, anomalous diffusion and characteristic shock waves to name but a few. The book is organized as follows: Part I comprises the rigorous theoretical results for the dilute limit. The detailed properties of binary collisions are described in Part II. Part III contains experimental investigations of granular gases. Large-scale behaviour as found in astrophysical systems is discussed in Part IV. Part V, finally, deals with possible generalizations for dense granular systems.

In contrast to molecular gases (for example, air), the particles of granular gases, such as a cloud of dust, lose part of their kinetic energy when they collide, giving rise to many exciting physical properties. The book provides a self-contained introduction to the theory of granular gases for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduates.

Despite extensive empirical experience, there is both a scientific challenge and a technological need to develop an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the flow of grains. This new reference provides quick access to the current level of knowledge, containing review articles covering recent developments in the field of granular media from the viewpoints of applied, experimental, and theoretical physics. In short, a must-have for advanced researchers and specialists as well as a useful starting point for anyone entering this field. The authors represent different directions of research in the field, with their contributions covering: - Static properties - Granular gases - Dense granular flow - Hydrodynamic interactions - Charged and magnetic granular matter - Computational aspects