Thermodynamic Equilibria and Extrema

This book discusses mathematical models that are based on the concepts of classical equilibrium thermodynamics. These are intended for the analysis of possible results of diverse natural and production processes. Unlike traditional models, these allow readers to view the achievable set of partial equilibria with regards to constraints on kinetics, energy and mass exchange and to determine states of the studied systems of interest for the researcher. Numerous examples illustrate practical application of the suggested models in chemical technology, energy and ecology.

Offers a simple and efficient approach for the study of partial equilibria that occur en route to final equilibrium Allows readers to view the achievable set of partial equilibria with regards to constraints on kinetics, energy and mass exchange Examples in the text illustrate application of the suggested models in chemical technology, energy and ecology No other book addresses non-equilibrium and irreversible processes in terms of equilibrium thermodynamics

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The authors are very glad to see the publication ofThermodynamicEquilibriaand Extrema in English and would like to express their gratitude to everybody who contributed to this end. The book is devoted to the analysis of attainability regions and partial equilibria in physicochemical and other systems. This analysis employs the extreme models ofclassicalequilibriumthermodynamics. Considerationisgiventotheproblemof choosing, from the set of equilibrium states belonging to the attainability regions, that equilibrium corresponding to the extreme values of a property of interest to a researcher. For example, one might desire to maximize the concentration of target products of a chemical reaction. The problem of coordinating thermodynamics and kinetics is very important in the analysis presented. Ataglance,itmayseemthattheobjectsofstudyinthermodynamics(thescience ofequilibria)andkinetics(thescienceofmotiontowardequilibrium)coincideonly in the case of complete and ?nal equilibrium. In reality, joint application of th- modynamics and kinetic models gives a clearer understanding of the regularities of the kinetics involved. Relativity of the notions of rest and motion was already ?rmly established in mechanics when the principles of equilibrium were formulated by Galilei, D Alembert, and Lagrange. Historically, the theories of motion and equilibrium states are related. It is precisely the study of gas kinetics that led Clausius and Boltzmann to the main principles of thermodynamics. The systematic analysis of theseprinciplesintheclassicbookbyGibbs,OntheEquilibriumofHeterogeneous Substances [54], demonstrated the feasibility of substituting the models of rest for themodelsofmotionwhenstudyingvariousphysicochemicalprocesses.

Contenu
Principles of Equilibrium and Extremality in Mechanics and Thermodynamics.- Extreme Thermodynamic Models in Terms of Mathematical Programming.- Thermodynamic Modeling on Graphs.- Methods and Algorithms of Searching for Thermodynamic Equilibria.- Application of Extreme Models.