Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics

A comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of nonequilibrium thermodynamics
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics has emerged as a promising new field of study dealing with irreversible processes in matter, and is fundamental to understanding these systems on a wide range of length scales, including the micro– or nanoscopic level. Many of the most cutting–edge technological applications within this field require a fully nonlinear framework far from equilibrium. To create a unified framework that accommodates such needs, author Hans Christian ִtinger presents a new paradigm—beyond equilibrium thermodynamics.
In addition to being based on the latest developments, Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics is itself a significant development in the field. This groundbreaking text presents the first comprehensive approach to thermodynamics and statistical methods far from equilibrium. It clearly explains physical concepts, describes mathematics, and presents problems and solutions. In defining the new paradigm of beyond equilibrium thermodynamics, this book has the potential for opening a new field in the study of irreversible processes.
The text features:A presentation based on a unified frameworkA comprehensive list of applications of nonequilibrium thermodynamicsAn introduction to simulation techniques—a key to future applicationsSystematic classification of beyond equilibrium simulation techniquesGuidance in anticipating the logical structure of results before actually deriving themInclusion of a covariant version of the thermodynamic framework for relativistic applicationsMore than 200 exercises with detailed solutionsCareful referencing, including section or page numbers
Suitable for use as a graduate–level teaching tool or a reference for working scientists, Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics provides a concrete understanding of what had previously been a largely abstrac t field.

Spis treści:
Preface.
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.

Nota biograficzna:
HANS CHRISTIAN ÖTTINGER is Professor of Polymer Physics and a former chairman of the materials science department at the ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). He has over two decades experience as a teacher and researcher in physics and polymer science. In addition, he holds memberships in the American, British, and German Societies of Rheology, the German Physical Society, and the Swiss Rheology and Polymer Groups. He also serves on the editorial boards for Applied Rheology, Journal of Rheology, and Multiscale Modeling and Simulation.

Okładka tylna:
A comprehensive introduction to the emerging field of nonequilibrium thermodynamics
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics has emerged as a promising new field of study dealing with irreversible processes in matter, and is fundamental to understanding these systems on a wide range of length scales, including the micro– or nanoscopic level. Many of the most cutting–edge technological applications within this field require a fully nonlinear framework far from equilibrium. To create a unified framework that accommodates such needs, author Hans Christian ִtinger presents a new paradigm—beyond e quilibrium thermodynamics.
In addition to being based on the latest developments, Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics is itself a significant development in the field. This groundbreaking text presents the first comprehensive approach to thermodynamics and statistical methods far from equilibrium. It clearly explains physical concepts, describes mathematics, and presents problems and solutions. In defining the new paradigm of beyond equilibrium thermodynamics, this book has the potential for opening a new field in the study of irreversible processes.
The text features:A presentation based on a unified frameworkA comprehensive list of applications of nonequilibrium thermodynamicsAn introduction to simulation techniques—a key to future applicationsSystematic classification of beyond equilibrium simulation techniquesGuidance in anticipating the logical structure of results before actually deriving themInclusion of a covariant version of the thermodynamic framework for relativistic applicationsMore than 200 exercises with detailed solutionsCareful referencing, including section or page numbers
Suitable for use as a graduate–level teaching tool or a reference for working scientists, Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics provides a concrete understanding of what had previously been a largely abstract field.