This text combines an old look at thermodynamics with a new foundation. A NewPerspective on Thermodynamics can be considered a new edition of P.G. Tait's book, which profoundly impacted generations of thermodynamicists. The book will present a historical perspective which unravels the current presentation of thermodynamics found in standard textbooks, and which emphasizes the fundamental role that Carnot played in the development of thermodynamics. Conceptual flaws in timely topics, such as endoreversible engines, finite-time thermodynamics, and single-molecule measurements which use equilibrium changes in the freeenergy to determine nonequilibrium work, are highlighted. The book introducesa new outlook on thermodynamics, showing that it was not formulated as a series of laws, like those of Newton, but, rather, as the desire to account for the effects of heat on otherwise mechanical systems, and the possible overlap ofthe interpretations of first and second laws. In fact, the historical development shows that there is no clear-cut distinction between the first and secondlaws; irreversibility can be characterized by an increase in entropy or a diminution in the internal energy. Notwithstanding this, it is Clausius’s approach which is almost universally adhered to. An approach to the development of non-Carnot efficiencies is given, and how it can be used in modern contexts. Critiques are given on finite-time thermodynamics, non-Carnot cycles, single molecule experiments that equate non-equilibrium work with equilibrium free energychains." Reintroduces important, yet nearly forgotten, teachings of N.L. SadiCarnot Brings the theory of thermodynamics up to the present time and indicates avenues of further development Chronologically unravels the development of the principles of thermodynamics and how they were conceived by their discoverers INDICE: The predecessors of Carnot.- Thermodynamics from Carnot to Clausius and Kelvin.- Thermodynamics in a Carnot equation.- Equivalence of First and Second Laws.- Work from Nonequilibrium Systems.- Nonextensive Thermodynamics.
- ISBN: 978-1-4419-1429-3
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 251
- Fecha Publicación: 01/02/2010
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés