Material particles, electrons, atoms, molecules, interact with one another by means of electromagnetic forces. That is, these forces are the cause of their being combined into condensed (liquid or solid) states. In these condensed states, the motion of the particles relative to one another proceeds in orderly fashion; their individual properties as well as the electric and magnetic dipole moments and the radiation and absorption spectra, ordinarily vary little by comparison with their properties in the free state. Exceptiotls are the special so-called collective states of condensed media that are formed under phase transitions of the second kind. The collective states of matter are characterized to a high degree by the micro-ordering that arises as a result of the interaction between the particles and which is broken down by chaotic thermal motion under heating. Examples of such pheonomena are the superfluidity of liquid helium, and the superconductivity and ferromagnetism of metals, which exist only at temperatures below the critical temperature. At low temperature states the particles do not exhibit their individual characteristics and conduct themselves as a single whole in many respects. They flow along capillaries in ordered fashion and create an undamped current in a conductor or a macroscopic magnetic moment. In this regard the material acquires special properties that are not usually inherent to it.

In a universe filled by chaos and disorder, one physicist makes the radical argument that the growth of order drives the passage of time -- and shapes the destiny of the universe. Time is among the universe's greatest mysteries. Why, when most laws of physics allow for it to flow forward and backward, does it only go forward? Physicists have long appealed to the second law of thermodynamics, held to predict the increase of disorder in the universe, to explain this. In The Janus Point, physicist Julian Barbour argues that the second law has been misapplied and that the growth of order determines how we experience time. In his view, the big bang becomes the "Janus point," a moment of minimal order from which time could flow, and order increase, in two directions. The Janus Point has remarkable implications: while most physicists predict that the universe will become mired in disorder, Barbour sees the possibility that order -- the stuff of life -- can grow without bound. A major new work of physics, The Janus Point will transform our understanding of the nature of existence.

This two-volume set presents the proceedings from the 8th International Symposium on Transport Phenomena in Combustion. There are more than 150 chapters that provide an extensive review of topics such as complete numerical simulation of combustion and heat transfer in furnaces and boilers, the interaction of combustion and heat transfer in porous media for low emission, high effieciency applications, industrial combustion technology, experimental and diagnostic methods and active combustion control, and fire research, internal combustion engine, Nox and soot emission.

The book provides an integrated energy/exergy analysis method to identify the energy utilization issues and systematically propose the cost-effective energy-saving and CO2 mitigation/capture solution. There is a strong market needs on energy-saving and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. CO2 mitigation/capture will achieve economic benefit of fuel, power, and carbon tax saving as well as environmental GHG reduction. The book is a professional book for energy-saving and GHG gas mitigation technology in oil & gas, oil refining, and chemical industry. It is an integrated technical book that combines energy utilization theory and practical method, including: thermodynamic analysis for unit operation and process units; energy and exergy calculation for various process streams and utilities; three-link energy/exergy analysis model; energy/exergy balance of equipment, process units, and entire plant; approach and technology of energy saving; optimization of pipeline and equipment; pinch energy-saving technology and its application; CO2 capture and utilization with 8 case studies incorporated for all different scenarios; key energy-saving technologies such gas turbine, FCCU regeneration CO combustion and energy recovery, flue gas turbine system optimization, low-grade heat recovery and utilization. The book is intended for engineers and professional personnel who are working in process engineering, EPC companies, chemical and petrochemical plants, refineries, oil & gas production facilities, power generation plant. It can also be a professional reference or textbook for undergraduate or graduate-level university students and teaching personnel of chemical, energy, and process engineering faculties of universities.

The aim of this volume of scientific essays is twofold. On the one hand, by remembering the scientific figure of Eduardo R. Caianiello, it aims at focusing on his outstanding contributions - from theoretical physics to cybernetics - which after so many years still represent occasion of innovative paths to be fruitfully followed. It must be stressed the contribution that his interdisciplinary methodology can still be of great help in affording and solving present day complex problems. On the other hand, it aims at pinpointing with the help of the scientists contributing to the volume - some crucial problems in present day research in the fields of interest of Eduardo Caianiello and which are still among the main lines of investigation of some of the Institutes founded by Eduardo (Istituto di Cibernetica del CNR, IIAS, etc).

Non-Destructive Testing and Condition Monitoring Techniques in Wind Energy looks at the complex and critical components of energy assets and the importance of inspection and maintenance to ensure their high availability and uninterrupted operation. Presenting the main concepts, state-of-the-art advances and case studies, this book approaches the topic by considering it as an integral part of the overall operation of any wind energy project. Linking the essential NDT subject with its sub disciplines, the book uses computational techniques, dynamic analysis, probabilistic methods, and mathematical optimization techniques to support analysis of prognostic problems with defined constraints and requirements. This book is the first of its kind and will provide useful insights to industrial engineers and scientists, academics and students in the possibilities that NDT and condition monitoring technologies can offer.

Thermodynamics is not the oldest of sciences. Mechanics can make that claim. Thermodynamicsisaproductofsomeofthegreatestscienti?cmindsofthe19thand 20th centuries. But it is suf?ciently established that most authors of new textbooks in thermodynamics ?nd it necessary to justify their writing of yet another textbook. I ?nd this an unnecessary exercise because of the centrality of thermodynamics as a science in physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. I do acknowledge, however, that instruction in thermodynamics often leaves the student in a confused state. My attempt in this book is to present thermodynamics in as simple and as uni?ed a form as possible. As teachers we identify the failures of our own teachers and attempt to correct them. Although I personally acknowledge with a deep gratitude the appreciation for thermodynamics that I found as an undergraduate, I also realize that my teachers did not convey to me the sweeping grandeur of thermodynamics. Speci?cally the s- plicity and the power that James Clerk Maxwell found in the methods of Gibbs were not part of my undergraduate experience. Unfortunately some modern authors also seem to miss this central theme, choosing instead to introduce the thermodynamic potentials as only useful functions at various points in the development.

During the last decade, various powerful experimental tools have been developed, such as small angle X-ray and neutron scattering, X-ray and neutron reflection from interfaces, neutron spin-echo spectroscopy and quasi-elastic multiple light scattering and large scale computer simulations. Due to the rapid progress brought about by these techniques, one witnesses a resurgence of interest in the physicochemical properties of colloids, surfactants and macromolecules in solution. Although these disciplines have a long history, they are at present rapidly transforming into a new, interdisciplinary research area generally known as complex liquids or soft condensed matter physics: names that reflect the considerable involvement of the chemical and condensed matter physicists. This book is based on lectures given at a NATO ASI held in the summer of 1991 and discusses these new developments, both in theory and experiment. It constitutes the most up-to-date and comprehensive summary of the entire field.

This thesis presents several significant new results that shed light on two major puzzles of modern cosmology: the nature of inflation, the very early phase of the universe that is thought to have given rise to the large-scale structures that we observe today; and that of the current accelerated expansion. In particular, it develops a clean method for characterizing linear cosmological perturbations for general theories where gravity is modified and/or affected by a new component, called dark energy, responsible for the accelerated expansion. It proposes a new extension to what were long thought to be the most general scalar field theories devoid of instabilities, and demonstrates the robustness of the relation between the energy scale of inflation and the predicted amplitude of gravitational waves. Finally, it consolidates a set of consistency relations between correlation functions of the cosmological density field and investigates the phenomenological consequences of their potential violation. Presented in a clear, succinct and rigorous style, each of these original results is both profound and important and will leave a deep mark on the field.

Complexity Science and Chaos Theory are fascinating areas of scientific research with wide-ranging applications. The interdisciplinary nature and ubiquity of complexity and chaos are features that provides scientists with a motivation to pursue general theoretical tools and frameworks. Complex systems give rise to emergent behaviors, which in turn produce novel and interesting phenomena in science, engineering, as well as in the socio-economic sciences.
The aim of all Symposia on Chaos and Complex Systems (CCS) is to bring together scientists, engineers, economists and social scientists, and to discuss the latest insights and results obtained in the area of corresponding nonlinear-system complex (chaotic) behavior.
Especially for the 4th International Interdisciplinary Chaos Symposium on Chaos and Complex Systems, which took place April 29th to May 2nd, 2012 in Antalya, Turkey, the scope of the symposium had been further enlarged so as to encompass the presentation of work from circuits to econophysics, and from nonlinear analysis to the history of chaos theory.
The corresponding proceedings collected in this volume address a broad spectrum of contemporary topics, including but not limited to networks, circuits, systems, biology, evolution and ecology, nonlinear dynamics and pattern formation, as well as neural, psychological, psycho-social, socio-economic, management complexity and global systems.
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This textbook presents the fundamental concepts and theories in thermal physics and elementary statistical mechanics in a very simple, systematic and comprehensive way. This book is written in a way that it presents the topics in a holistic manner with end-of-chapter exercises and examples where concepts are supported by numerous solved examples and multiple-choice questions to aid self-learning. The textbook also contains illustrated diagrams for better understanding of the concepts. The book will benefit students who are taking introductory courses in thermal physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.

This book offers a unique treatment of building insulating products and the integration of these products with building components. This book was written for all those involved in building design, specification, construction, and commissioning, providing them with an understanding of and appreciation for the wide variety of thermal insulation products and technologies available for use in all types of buildings. The book proceeds from basic definitions and discussion of heat-transfer topics and thermal insulation concepts, to the design and use of these products. The impact of thermal insulation on dynamic building performance, including factors other than heating and cooling, is also discussed. The book does not require an advanced mathematical background. The authors provide sufficient information to provide a qualitative understanding, with more mathematical sections included for those interested in modeling and analysis. The basic physics associated with heat transfer in buildings are presented, along with the steady-state and transient analysis techniques needed for the effective implementation of thermal insulation and assemblies. Modern building design involves the integration of comfort, safety, economics, durability and cost considerations, all of which impact the selection and use of thermal insulation materials in buildings. In addition to theoretical explanations of the underlying science, the book details the properties and application of new thermal insulation materials, including vacuum panels, gas-filled panels, aerogels, phase-change materials, and radiation control technologies. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to researchers and building engineers wishing to understand the latest technologies and materials available, so as to achieve reduced energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings.

This book focuses on the nonlinear dynamics based on the vector fields with univariate quadratic functions. This book is a unique monograph for two-dimensional quadratic nonlinear systems. It provides different points of view about nonlinear dynamics and bifurcations of the quadratic dynamical systems. Such a two-dimensional dynamical system is one of simplest dynamical systems in nonlinear dynamics, but the local and global structures of equilibriums and flows in such two-dimensional quadratic systems help us understand other nonlinear dynamical systems, which is also a crucial step toward solving the Hilbert's sixteenth problem. Possible singular dynamics of the two-dimensional quadratic systems are discussed in detail. The dynamics of equilibriums and one-dimensional flows in two-dimensional systems are presented. Saddle-sink and saddle-source bifurcations are discussed, and saddle-center bifurcations are presented. The infinite-equilibrium states are switching bifurcations for nonlinear systems. From the first integral manifolds, the saddle-center networks are developed, and the networks of saddles, source, and sink are also presented. This book serves as a reference book on dynamical systems and control for researchers, students, and engineering in mathematics, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

The thesis presents a systematic study of the Mpemba effect in a colloidal system with a micron-sized particle diffusing in a water bath. While the Mpemba effect, where a system's thermal relaxation time is a non-monotonic function of the initial temperature, has been observed in water since Aristotle's era, the underlying mechanism of the effect is still unknown. Recent studies indicate that the effect is not limited to water and has been studied both experimentally and numerically in a wide variety of systems. By carefully designing a double-well potential using feedback-based optical tweezers, the author demonstrates that an initially hot system can sometimes cool faster than an initially warm system. The author also presents the first observation in any system of another counterintuitive effect-the inverse Mpemba effect-where the colder of the two samples reaches the thermal equilibrium at a hot temperature first. The results for both the observations agree with theoretical predictions based on the Fokker-Planck equation. The experiments reveal that, for carefully chosen conditions, a strong version of both of the effects are observed where a system can relax to the bath temperature exponentially faster than under typical conditions.

Vortex flow is one of the fundamental types of fluid and gas motion. These flows are the most spectacular in the form of concentrated vortices, characterized by the localization of vorticity (curl of velocity) in bounded regions of a space, beyond which the vorticity is either absent or rapidly falls down to zero. Concentrated vortices are often observed in nature, exemplified by atmospheric cyclones, whirlwinds and tornados, oceanic vortices, whirlpools on a water s- face, and ring vortices caused by explosive outburst of volcanoes. In technical - vices concentrated vortices form when flow separates from sharp edges of flying vehicles and ships. Among these are vortices flowing off the ends of airplane wings, and intentionally generated vortices for intensification of burning in c- bustion chambers, vortices in cyclonic devices used for mixing or separation of impurities in fluids and gases. One such remarkable and frequent type of conc- trated vortices is a vortex ring which constitutes a vortex tube closed into a t- oidal ring moving in a surrounding fluid like an isolated body out of contact with solid boundaries of the flow region if such boundaries exist. Formation and motion of vortex rings are important part of the dynamics of a continuum medium and have been studied for more than a century.

This book addresses the problem of multi-agent systems, considering that it can be interpreted as a generalized multi-synchronization problem. From manufacturing tasks, through encryption and communication algorithms, to high-precision experiments, the simultaneous cooperation between multiple systems or agents is essential to successfully carrying out different modern activities, both in academy and industry. For example, the coordination of multiple assembler robots in manufacturing lines. These agents need to synchronize. The first two chapters of the book describe the synchronization of dynamical systems, paying special attention to the synchronization of non-identical systems. Following, the third chapter presents an interesting application of the synchronization phenomenon for state estimation. Subsequently, the authors fully address the multi-agent problem interpreted as multi-synchronization. The final chapters introduce the reader to a more complex problem, the synchronization of systems governed by partial differential equations, both of integer and fractional order. The book aimed at graduates, postgraduate students and researchers closely related to the area of automatic control. Previous knowledge of linear algebra, classical and fractional calculus is requested, as well as some fundamental notions of graph theory.

This book gives a systematic investigation of convection in systems comprised of liquid layers with deformatable interfaces.

This new edition includes completely updated and new material on flows in ultra thin films and brings up to date progress made in the technology on micro and nano scales. Also, this revised edition will reflect progress in thedynamics of complex fluids."

IoT-Enabled Multi-Energy Systems: From Isolated Energy Grids to Modern Interconnected Networks proposes practical solutions for the management and control of energy interactions throughout the interconnected energy infrastructures of the future multi-energy grid. The book discusses a panorama of modeling, planning and optimization considerations for IoT technologies, their applications across grid modernization, and the coordinated operation of multi-vector energy grids. The work is suitable for energy, power, mechanical, chemical, process and environmental engineers, and highly relevant for researchers and postgraduate students who work on energy systems. Sections address core theoretical underpinnings, significant challenges and opportunities, how to support IoT-based developed expert systems, and how AI can empower IoT technologies to sustainably develop fully renewable modern multi-carrier energy networks. Contributors address artificial intelligence technology and its applications in developing IoT-based technologies, cloud-based intelligent energy management schemes, data science and multi-energy big data analysis, machine learning and deep learning techniques in multi-energy systems, and much more.

This book starts with an introduction to the basic concepts of multistability, then illustrates how multistability arises in different systems and explains the main mechanisms of multistability emergence. A special attention is given to noise which can convert a multistable deterministic system to a monostable stochastic one. Furthermore, the most important applications of multistability in different areas of science, engineering and technology are given attention throughout the book, including electronic circuits, lasers, secure communication, and human perception. The book aims to provide a first approach to multistability for readers, who are interested in understanding its fundamental concepts and applications in several fields. This book will be useful not only to researchers and engineers focusing on interdisciplinary studies, but also to graduate students and technicians. Both theoreticians and experimentalists will rely on it, in fields ranging from mathematics and laser physics to neuroscience and astronomy. The book is intended to fill a gap in the literature, to stimulate new discussions and bring some fundamental issues to a deeper level of understanding of the mechanisms underlying self-organization of matter and world complexity.

This textbook on fire dynamics provides a comprehensive description of fuels involved in fires, definitions related to fire, thermodynamics for fire calculations, basics of transport processes and fundamental aspects of combustion related to fire, physical descriptions of premixed and non-premixed flames, detailed analysis of the characteristics of fires from solid and liquid fuels, including ignition, spread and burning rates and physical aspects of fire plumes, compartment fires and dust fires. The contents also highlight fundamental aspects related to the evaporation of liquid fuels and pyrolysis of solid fuels which are explained with simplified mathematical expressions. The book includes pedagogical features such as worked examples to illustrate mathematical calculations involved in fire analysis and end-of-chapter review questions. This book proves useful for students, researchers and industry professionals alike.

The Nature of Biological Systems as Revealed by Thermal Methods is a guide for experiments using thermal methods. The Editor has used his many years of experience to create a unique resource that will enable others with a less mathematical background, to realize the beauty and power of this tool and to gain a better understanding of biological problems.

Biological calorimetry (and of course thermal analysis) is of increasing interest and is not covered thoroughly in other resources. The methods presented are macroscopic, for the rather inhomogeneous material (micromethods are often not possible or not pertinent). This book will help beginners in the field of thermal analysis or calorimetry understand the principles of thermodynamics being applied to biological systems. Biological systems are highly organized and very complex. The water and the different types of weak interactions among the macromolecules make the interpretation of thermal events very difficult. This book includes examples how to handle such problems.

The Nature of Biological Systems as Revealed by Thermal Methods is unique in that it:
-has a broad spectrum, from molecules and biochemistry, tissues, and food, to whole organisms;
-combines practical problems (food processing, quality control, thermal denaturation of proteins, plants and small insects, etc.) with concrete solutions and interpretation;
-provides practical strategies and tools without "dry physics and mathematics";
-initiates the application of thermal methods in new fields (e.g. medicine);
-forces the reader to go into more detail of thermodynamics and thermal techniques;
-simplifies communication between biologists, medical doctors and experts of thermal analysis.

The book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in thermodynamics, including practising professionals applying thermal methods to biological problems; researchers and graduate students beginning work using thermal methods; and specialists of thermal analysis starting work on biological problems. In addition, this book will be a useful resource for libraries and institutes as the only book covering quantitative thermal analysis of biological systems.

This book presents problems and solutions of the mathematical theories of thermoelasticity and magnetothermoelasticity. The classical, coupled and generalized theories are solved using the eigenvalue methodology. Different methods of numerical inversion of the Laplace transform are presented and their direct applications are illustrated. The book is very useful to those interested in continuum mechanics.

This book presents thermodynamic data on oxides in the system MgO-FeO-Fe2O3-Al2O3-SiO2. These data are produced by a process of assessment that involves the integration of thermochemical (calorimetric) and phase equilibrium data. The latter have been selected from a number of publications in high-pressure research conducted at pressures and temperatures in the range of 1 bar to several Giga Pascals and 300 to 2500 K respectively. A unique feature of the database is that the assessment involves not only the thermodynamic data on pure end member species, but also the data on multicomponent solutions. Since the solution description follows the format used in the popular thermodynamic computational packages such as FACTSAGE, ChemSage and Thermocalc, the database is easy to incorporate in the currently used databases in these packages. The database is highly useful to those working in the field of metallurgy (e.g. slags) and ceramics. It is essential for all those who do thermodynamic modeling of the terrestrial planetary interiors.