Includes bibliographical references and index.

From the Contents: Introduction.- Introduction to Quantum Mechanics.- Introduction to Statistical Mechanics.- Radiative Properties of High Temperature Gases.- Collision Processes for High Temperature Gases.- Equilibrium Composition of a Reacting Gas Mixture.- Transport Properties of High Temperature Gases.- Boundary Effects for High Temperature Gases.- Production of High Temperature Gases.- Diagnostic Techniques.- High Temperature Gasdynamics.- Some Practical Examples.

High Temperature Gas Dynamics is a class-tested primer for students, scientists and engineers who would like to have a basic understanding of the physics and the behaviour of high-temperature gases. It is a valuable tool for astrophysicists as well. The first chapters treat the basic principles of quantum and statistical mechanics and how to derive thermophysical properties from them. Special topics are included that are rarely found in other textbooks, such as the thermophysical and transport properties of multi-temperature gases and a novel method to compute radiative transfer. Furthermore, collision processes between different particles are discussed. Separate chapters deal with the production of high-temperature gases and with electrical emission in plasmas, as well as related diagnostic techniques.