This chapter summarizes the thermodynamics of multicomponent polymer systems, with special emphasis on polymer blends and mixtures. After a brief introduction of the relevant thermodynamic principles – laws of thermodynamics, definitions, and interrelations of thermodynamic variables and potentials – selected theories of liquid and polymer mixtures are provided: Specifically, both lattice theor...

In this letter we show that the approach of Carathéodory to thermodynamics by means of Pfaffian forms can be applied to black hole thermodynamics and strongly links black hole thermodynamics to the standard thermodynamic formalism. The Pfaffian form δQrev ≡ dM − Ω dJ − Φ dQ, which is assumed to be the infinitesimal heat exchanged reversibly, is shown to be integrable; moreover, we show that it ...

In this paper, we combine the two universalisms of thermodynamics and dynamical systems theory to develop a dynamical system formalism for classical thermodynamics. Specifically, using a compartmental dynamical system energy flow model involving heat flow, work energy, and chemical reactions, we develop a state-space dynamical system model that captures the key aspects of thermodynamics, includ...

Abstract This article investigates the relationship between holographic principle and laws of thermodynamics in explaining late-time acceleration universe. First, we explore possibilities generating standard dark energy (SHDE) from horizon thermodynamics. Except for entropies that follow an exponent stretched area law, unless redefine temperature, found it challenging to construct a one-to-one ...

We give meaning to the first and second laws of thermodynamics in case of mesoscopic out-of-equilibrium systems which are driven by diffusion-type, specifically Smoluchowski, processes. The notion of entropy production is analyzed. The role of the Helmholtz extremum principle is contrasted to that of the more familiar entropy extremum principles. PACS numbers: 02.50.Ey, 05.20.-y, 05.40.Jc

We review the literature on the energetics of Brownian motors, distinguishing between forced ratchets, chemical motors – driven out of equilibrium by differences of chemical potential, and thermal motors – driven by temperature differences. The discussion is focused on the definition of efficiency and the compatibility between the models and the laws of thermodynamics. PACS 05.40.-a; 05.70.lw

We demonstrate that the laws of Zipf and Benford, that govern scores of data generated by many and diverse kinds of human activity (as well as other data from natural phenomena), are the centerpiece expressions of a generalized thermodynamic structure. This structure is obtained from a deformed type of statistical mechanics that arises when configurational phase space is incompletely visited in...

The principle of material frame-indifference is a fundamental concept in classical physics. In 1972 Walter Noll showed that one can formulate constitutive laws without using any external frames of reference. Constitutive laws formulated in this way vacuously satisfy the principle of material frame-indifference. This thesis describes the basic concepts involved in formulating frame-free continuu...

We show that black holes fulfill the scaling laws arising in critical transitions. In particular, we find that in the transition from negative to positive values the heat capacities CJQ, CΩQ and CJΦ give rise to critical exponents satisfying the scaling laws. The three transitions have the same critical exponents as predicted by the universality Hypothesis. We also briefly discuss the implicati...