Irreversible Thermodynamics

Abstract

Irreversible thermodynamics is a means of applying the laws of equilibrium thermodynamics, together with a few other “laws”, to systems that are not at equilibrium. The quotation marks are there to turn aside the wrath of purists who assure us that while the principles of equilibrium thermodynamics are not to be challenged (in this corner of the universe), the additional principles associated with irreversible thermodynamics all come with a proviso as to their range of applicability. The standard equations of irreversible thermodynamics hold only for systems that are changing slowly, or are at a steady state, or near equilibrium. In this context “slowly” and “near” are usually not easily definable.