Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics
1. Edition March 2005
656 Pages, Hardcover
Handbook/Reference Book
Short Description
The book provides a comprehensive introduction to nonequilibrium thermodynamics, which has yet to gain wide adoption by researchers because of its largely abstract nature. This book, though, explains the physical concepts, describes the mathematics, and presents problems and solutions; all of these help the scientist and theorist grasp the subject and apply it. Engineers, scientists, and applied mathematicians can all use the book to address their problems in modeling, calculating, and understanding dynamic responses of materials. The book includes over 200 exercises and solutions that flesh out the theoretical aspects of the subject.
Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics fills a niche in the market by providing a comprehensive introduction to a new, emerging topic in the field. The importance of non-equilibrium thermodynamics is addressed in order to fully understand how a system works, whether it is in a biological system like the brain or a system that develops plastic. In order to fully grasp the subject, the book clearly explains the physical concepts and mathematics involved, as well as presenting problems and solutions; over 200 exercises and answers are included. Engineers, scientists, and applied mathematicians can all use the book to address their problems in modelling, calculating, and understanding dynamic responses of materials.
Acknowledgments.
Symbols and Notation.
1. Introduction.
PART I: PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH.
2. Hydrodynamics.
3. Linear Irreversible Thermodynamics.
4. Complex Fluids.
5. Relativistic Hydrodynamics.
PART II: STATISTICAL APPROACH.
6. Projection-Operator Method.
7. Kinetic Theory of Gases.
8. Simulations.
Appendix A: Crash-Course on Equilibrium Thermodynamics.
Appendix B: Mechanics and Geometry.
Appendix C: Functional Derivatives.
Appendix D: Quantum Systems.
Appendix E: List of Applications of Beyond-Equilibrium Thermodynamics.
Appendix F: Solutions to Exercises.
References.
Author Index.
Subject Index.
