Correlation functions in statistical mechanics and astrophysics.

Abstract

A general review of distribution functions reveals that the two- and three-point correlation functions familiar to galaxy studies may be identified with the total correlation functions relevant to the study of liquids. In this context a discussion is included of the Peebles-Groth three-point correlation function. A recently derived two-point correlation function in polynomial form is reviewed. Renormalization of this expression is found to bring it into very good agreement with the well-established ${r}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ form (where r is intergalaxy displacement and \ensuremath{\gamma} is a constant).