Modern Thermodynamics : From Heat Engines to Dissipative Structures

Modern Thermodynamics is a comprehensive introduction to this important subject, presenting a unified view of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Introducing the subject in a modern and exciting way, the relationship between irreversible processes that occur naturally and the rate of increase of entropy is introduced early on, enabling the reader to benefit from seeing this relationship in such processes as heat conduction and chemical reactions. The importance played by historical developments is also recognized, and topics are often presented in their historical context, leading to a fuller appreciation of the subject. Recognising the importance of computers in this field, readers are encouraged to solve problems using computers and access thermodynamic data and information on the World Wide Web. Modern Thermodynamics:

Presents thermodynamics as a science of irreversible processes
. Takes a unified view of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics.
Contains many applications drawn from science and engineering, along with real world examples and problems.
Encourages the reader to access real data and information on the Web through the provision of WWW addresses.
Shows the reader how to solve problems using computer packages such as Mathematica.

Table of Contents

HISTORICAL ROOTS: FROM HEAT ENGINES TO COSMOLOGY.
Basic Concepts.
First Law of Thermodynamics.
Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Arrow of Time.
Entropy in the Realm of Chemical Reactions.
EQUILIBRIUM THERMODYNAMICS.
Extremum Principles and General Thermodynamic Relations
Basic Thermodynamics of Gases, Liquids and Solids.
Thermodynamics of Phase Change.
Thermodynamics of Solutions.
Thermodynamics of Chemical Transformations.
Fields and Internal Degrees of Freedom.
Thermodynamics of Radiation.
FLUCTUATIONS AND STABILITY.
The Gibbs Theory of Stability.
Critical Phenomena and Configurational Heat Capacity.
Theory of Stability and Fluctuations Based on Entropy Production.
LINEAR NONEQUILIBRIUM THERMODYNAMICS.
Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: The Foundations.
Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics: The Linear Regime.
Nonequilibrium Stationary States and their Stability: Linear Regime.
ORDER THROUGH FLUCTUATIONS.
Nonlinear Thermodynamics.
Dissipative Structures.
Postface: Where do we go from here?