Talk:Correlation function (statistical mechanics)

Correlation functions in systems not at equilibrium?
It seems that this article currently only discusses correlation functions in equilibrium systems. However, correlation functions in spin glasses, chalcogenide and metallic glasses, etc. are all extremely important. I think the definition of the correlation function should be defined in this article without reference to 'thermal averages.' By the way, does anyone else find the use of 'thermal average' to be a bit uncommon to be used in this article?Mgibby5 (talk) 04:15, 21 December 2014 (UTC)

Separate sections for time and spatial correlation funcitons?
Time-correlation functions and their relation to kinetic properties of systems, such as diffusion, seem worth mentioning here. Mgibby5 (talk) 04:15, 21 December 2014 (UTC)

Non-Spin Related Examples
The radial distribution function is mentioned, but there are many other examples. Other, related examples are short-range chemical order in liquids and crystals. Mgibby5 (talk) 04:15, 21 December 2014 (UTC)

G.I.Taylor introduced the idea of a correlation function
According to historical notes in Fluid Mechanics(Kundu,Cohen), G.I.Taylor introduced the idea of a correlation function during a study of turbulent diffusion. Here is another reference : http://journals.cambridge.org/production/action/cjoGetFulltext?fulltextid=382932 by S.A Orszag —Preceding unsigned comment added by 193.157.204.95 (talk) 12:51, 27 March 2011 (UTC)