Statistical mechanics based on Renyi entropy

In this work we show that it is possible to obtain a generalized statistical mechanics (thermostatistics) based on Renyi entropy, to be maximized with adequate constraints. The equilibrium probability distribution thus obtained has a very interesting property. Indeed, it reminds us the statistical distribution proposed by Tsallis, known to conveniently describe a variety of phenomena in nonextensive systems. Moreover, some examples are worked out in order to illustrate the main features of the herein introduced formalism. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.