Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics

This book discusses non-equilibrium thermodynamics, which is important for systems with many particles. It highlights the role of macroscopic quantities in describing stability criteria for far-from-equilibrium states, such as entropy production or minimization. The book is aimed at a wider audience than those most often exposed to these criteria.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 221 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The significance of thermodynamics, particularly its Second Principle, to all branches of science involving systems with vast numbers of particles cannot be overstated. This comprehensive book provides a sweeping overview of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Perhaps the two most appealing aspects of thermodynamic equilibrium are its stability and its independence from the specifics of the particular system involved. Does a similar concept exist for non-equilibrium thermodynamics? Numerous researchers have attempted to describe such stability in the same manner as the Second Principle describes the stability of thermodynamic equilibrium, and unfortunately, they have failed. Most of them have resorted to entropy, or its production rate, or some modified version of it. In their endeavors, however, those researchers have discovered numerous valuable stability criteria for far-from-equilibrium states. These criteria typically take the form of variational principles, involving the minimization or maximization of a specific quantity. The primary objective of this book is to delve into these variational principles by emphasizing the role of macroscopic quantities. This book is designed to reach a broader audience than those typically exposed to the criteria described, including undergraduates in STEM and the usual interested and invested professionals.

Weight: 379g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031122200
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022