Dept. of Physics and Astronomy
Clemson University
Room: 202A Kinard Labs
Phone: (864) 656-6702
FAX: (864) 656-0805

email: daw@clemson.edu

Research

Heat conduction and mode lifetimes in insulators: One area is the study of heat conduction in insulators. Through the use of idealized models of lattice vibration, we study the detailed mechanisms by which energy is distributed among modes in coupled systems, which also reveals the means by which heat is transported in insulating solids. This work combines modern formalism of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics with results of numerical models.

First Principles of Physics: The other area is the development of physics based on first principles of Aristotle, Aquinas, Maritain, and Rizzi. Currently, I am teaching the first semester of freshman physics (mechanics) using Rizzi's new textbook "Physics for Realists". I am also teaching a new course for engineers, scientists, and mathematicians to introduce them to the same principles. We are continuing the development of these ideas into the subjects of electricity and magnetism, advanced mechanics, statistical physics, and quantum physics.

Teaching

PHYS 475 "Physics and Reality" (Fall 2010)

PHYS 122 (Physics Majors) "Introductory Mechanics (Physics for Realists)" (Spring 2010)

PHYS 811 "Mathematical Physics" (Fall 2009)

PHYS 812 "Mathematical Physics" (Spring 2009)

PHYS 475/875 "Physics for Realists" (Spring 2009)

PHYS 811 "Mathematical Physics" (Fall 2008)

PHYS 475/875 "Realism in Physics" (Spring 2008)

PHYS 815 "Statistical Mechanics" (Spring 2008)

PHYS 821 "Classical Mechanics, part 1," (Fall 2007)

PHYS 322 "Classical Mechanics, part 2," (Spring 2007)

PHYS 321 "Classical Mechanics, part 1," (Fall 2006)

PHYS 322 "Classical Mechanics, part 2," (Spring 2006)

PHYS 321 "Classical Mechanics, part 1," (Fall 2005)

PHYS 845 "Advanced Solid State Physics, part 1," (Fall 2004)

PHYS 456 "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, part 2," (Spring 2004)

PHYS 455 "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, part 1," (Fall 2003)

PHYS 875 "Chaos & Nonlinear Dynamics," (Spring 2003)

Archive

"The old Sandia EAM package, somewhat updated," (Fall 2006)