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Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 14:59:50
Abstract
Foundations of nonequilbrium thermodynamics based on a unified approach, including hydrodynamics, linear irreversible thermodynamics and the theory of complex fluids
Objective
To provide, illustrate, and practice the thermodynamic approach to describe time-evolving systems on a coarse-grained level in full accordance with the fundamental laws of thermodynamics
Content
1. Introduction: Thermodynamics and Rigor, Formulating versus Deriving Irreversibility, Beyond Balance Equations, Framework, Equilibrium Thermodynamics of Stationary States, Fluctuations, Historical Context, Mechanics and Geometry, Functional Derivatives 2. Hydrodynamics: Balance Equations, Constructing Building Blocks 3. Linear Irreversible Thermodynamics: Forces and Fluxes, Transformation Behavior, Curie's Principle, Stationary States, Onsager-Casimir Relations, Thermoelectric Effects 4. Complex Fluids: Basic Rheological Properties, Linear Viscoelasticity, Nonlinear Material Behavior, Tensors and Scalars as Configurational Variables, Configurational Distribution Functions, Dumbbell Model of Polymer Solutions, Reptation Model of Polymer Melts
Resources
Lecture Notes
The course is based on the book "Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics"
Literature
1. H. C. Öttinger, Beyond Equilibrium Thermodynamics (Wiley, New York, 2005) 2. S. R. de Groot and P. Mazur, Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic (Dover Publications, New York, 1984) 3. H. J. Kreuzer, Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics and its Statistical Foundations (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1981)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics |
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise | Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics |
|
2 h weekly |