Functionality, Advancements and Industrial Applications of Heat Pipes introduces heat pipe technologies and highlights a variety of applications for passive thermal control. The book begins with a thorough analysis of heat pipe infrastructure, including principles of operation, temperature limits, reliability and lessons learned from worked examples and case studies. It also presents a concise design guideline for the assembly of heat pipes. The second part moves on to consider a variety of modern day applications for the heat pipe principles discussed, covering nuclear and solar thermal energy engineering facilities as well as applications in space, in the sea and in the air. A final section works through manufacturing elements of different types of heat pipe to ensure they are well maintained and remain fully operational. This section includes the cleaning of parts, the assembly of the heat pipe, an analysis of gas blockages and how to deal with them, as well as performance versification.

Complexity and Complex Thermoeconomic Systems describes the properties of complexity and complex thermo-economic systems as the consequence of formulations, definitions, tools, solutions and results consistent with the best performance of a system. Applying to complex systems contemporary advanced techniques, such as static optimization, optimal control, and neural networks, this book treats the systems theory as a science of general laws for functional integrities. It also provides a platform for the discussion of various definitions of complexity, complex hierarchical structures, self-organization examples, special references, and historical issues. This book is a valuable reference for scientists, engineers and graduated students in chemical, mechanical, and environmental engineering, as well as those in physics, ecology and biology, helping them better understand the complex thermodynamic systems and enhance their technical skills in research.

This multi-volume handbook is the most up-to-date and comprehensive reference work in the field of fractional calculus and its numerous applications. This fifth volume collects authoritative chapters covering several applications of fractional calculus in physics, including electrodynamics, statistical physics and physical kinetics, and quantum theory.

Modelling of heterogeneous processes, such as electrochemical reactions, extraction or ion-exchange, usually requires solving the transport problem associated to the process. Since the processes at the phase boundary are described by scalar quantities and transport quantities are vectors or tensors, coupling of them can take place only via conservation of mass, charge or momentum. In this book, transport of ionic species is addressed in a versatile manner, emphasizing the mutual coupling of fluxes in particular. Treatment is based on the formalism of irreversible thermodynamics, i.e. on linear (ionic) phenomenological equations, from which the most frequently used Nernst-Planck equation is derived. Limitations and assumptions made are thoroughly discussed.
The Nernst-Planck equation is applied to selected problems at the electrodes and in membranes. Mathematical derivations are presented in detail so that the reader can learn the methodology of solving transport problems. Each chapter contains a large number of exercises, some of them more demanding than others.

This book offers a comprehensive survey of basic elements of nuclear dynamics at low energies and discusses similarities to mesoscopic systems. It addresses systems with finite excitations of their internal degrees of freedom, so that their collective motion exhibits features typical for transport processes in small and isolated systems. The importance of quantum aspects is examined with respect to both the microscopic damping mechanism and the nature of the transport equations. The latter must account for the fact that the collective motion is self-sustained. This implies highly nonlinear couplings between internal and collective degrees of freedom --- different to assumptions made in treatments known in the literature. A critical discussion of the use of thermal concepts is presented. The book can be considered self-contained. It presents existing models, theories and theoretical tools, both from nuclear physics and other fields, which are relevant to an understanding of the observed physical phenomena.

This thesis presents several related advances in the field of nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics. The central result is an ingenious proof that the local temperature and voltage measurement in a nonequilibrium system of fermions exists and is unique, placing the concept of local temperature on a rigorous mathematical footing for the first time. As an intermediate step, a proof of the positivity of the Onsager matrix of linear response theory is given -- a statement of the second law of thermodynamics that had lacked an independent proof for 85 years. A new experimental method to measure the local temperature of an electron system using purely electrical techniques is also proposed, which could enable improvements to the spatial resolution of thermometry by several orders of magnitude. Finally, a new mathematically-exact definition for the local entropy of a quantum system in a nonequilibrium steady state is derived. Several different measures of the local entropy are discussed, relating to the thermodynamics of processes that a local observer with varying degrees of information about the microstates of the system could carry out, and it is shown that they satisfy a hierarchy of inequalities. Proofs of the third law of thermodynamics for generic open quantum systems are presented, taking into account the entropic contribution due to localized states. Appropriately normalized (per-state) local entropies are defined and are used to quantify the departure from local equilibrium.

This book presents the optimal auxiliary functions method and applies it to various engineering problems and in particular in boundary layer problems. The cornerstone of the presented procedure is the concept of "optimal auxiliary functions" which are needed to obtain accurate results in an efficient way. Unlike other known analytic approaches, this procedure provides us with a simple but rigorous way to control and adjust the convergence of the solutions of nonlinear dynamical systems. The optimal auxiliary functions are depending on some convergence-control parameters whose optimal values are rigorously determined from mathematical point of view. The capital strength of our procedure is its fast convergence, since after only one iteration, we obtain very accurate analytical solutions which are very easy to be verified. Moreover, no simplifying hypothesis or assumptions are made. The book contains a large amount of practical models from various fields of engineering such as classical and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, nonlinear oscillations, electrical machines, and many more. The book is a continuation of our previous books "Nonlinear Dynamical Systems in Engineering. Some Approximate Approaches", Springer-2011 and "The Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method. Engineering Applications", Springer-2015.

This book discusses the elementary ideas and tools needed for open quantum systems in a comprehensive manner. The emphasis is given to both the traditional master equation as well as the functional (path) integral approaches. It discusses the basic paradigm of open systems, the harmonic oscillator and the two-level system in detail. The traditional topics of dissipation and tunneling, as well as the modern field of quantum information, find a prominent place in the book. Assuming a basic background of quantum and statistical mechanics, this book will help readers familiarize with the basic tools of open quantum systems. Open quantum systems is the study of quantum dynamics of the system of interest, taking into account the effects of the ambient environment. It is ubiquitous in the sense that any system could be envisaged to be surrounded by its environment which could naturally exert its influence on it. Open quantum systems allows for a systematic understanding of irreversible processes such as decoherence and dissipation, of the essence in order to have a correct understanding of realistic quantum dynamics and also for possible implementations. This would be essential for a possible development of quantum technologies.

This book explains theoretical and technological aspects of amorphous drug formulations. It is intended for all those wishing to increase their knowledge in the field of amorphous pharmaceuticals. Conversion of crystalline material into the amorphous state, as described in this book, is a way to overcome limited water solubility of drug formulations, in this way enhancing the chemical activity and bioavailability inside the body. Written by experts from various fields and backgrounds, the book introduces to fundamental physical aspects (explaining differences between the ordered and the disordered solid states, the enhancement of solubility resulting from drugs amorphization, physical instability and how it can be overcome) as well as preparation and formulation procedures to produce and stabilize amorphous pharmaceuticals. Readers will thus gain a well-funded understanding and find a multi-faceted discussion of the properties and advantages of amorphous drugs and of the challenges in producing and stabilizing them. The book is an ideal source of information for researchers and students as well as professionals engaged in research and development of amorphous pharmaceutical products.

Defrosting for Air Source Heat Pumps: Research, Analysis and Methods presents a detailed analysis of the methods, processes and problems relating to defrosting, a necessary requirement to maintain the performance of ASHP units. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of control strategies and system design optimization methods that improve the performance and reliability of units. The book discusses the most recent experimental and numerical studies of reverse cycle defrosting and the most widely used defrosting method for ASHP. Techno-economic considerations are also presented, as is the outlook for the future. This book is a valuable resource for research students and academics of thermal energy and mechanical engineering, especially those focusing on defrosting for ASHP, heating, ventilation and energy efficiency, as well as engineers and professionals engaged in the development and management of heat pump machinery.

Nonextensive statistical mechanics is now a rapidly growing field and a new stream in the research of the foundations of statistical mechanics. This generalization of the well-known Boltzmann--Gibbs theory enables the study of systems with long-range interactions, long-term memories or multi-fractal structures. This book consists of a set of self-contained lectures and includes additional contributions where some of the latest developments -- ranging from astro- to biophysics -- are covered. Addressing primarily graduate students and lecturers, this book will also be a useful reference for all researchers working in the field.

This book continues the process of systematization of knowledge about convection. It is important to put the current knowledge on weakly and strongly stratified convection in order, and provide a comprehensive description of the marginal, weakly nonlinear and fully developed stages of convective flow in both cases. The book provides a short compendium of knowledge on the linear and weakly nonlinear limits of the Boussinesq convection, and a review of the theory on fully developed Boussinesq convection. The third chapter is devoted to a detailed derivation and a study of the three aforementioned stages of stratified (anelastic) convection, with a full solution in the marginal stage provided for the first time. Detailed and systematic explanations are given. The book is intended mainly as a textbook for courses on hydrodynamics and convective flows, for the use of lecturers and students; however, it also serves for the entire scientific community as a practical reference.

Measurements, Mechanisms, and Models of Heat Transport offers an interdisciplinary approach to the dynamic response of matter to energy input. Using a combination of fundamental principles of physics, recent developments in measuring time-dependent heat conduction, and analytical mathematics, this timely reference summarizes the relative advantages of currently used methods, and remediates flaws in modern models and their historical precursors. Geophysicists, physical chemists, and engineers will find the book to be a valuable resource for its discussions of radiative transfer models and the kinetic theory of gas, amended to account for atomic collisions being inelastic. This book is a prelude to a companion volume on the thermal state, formation, and evolution of planets. Covering both microscopic and mesoscopic phenomena of heat transport, Measurements, Mechanisms, and Models of Heat Transport offers both the fundamental knowledge and up-to-date measurements and models to encourage further improvem

This book is dedicated to the atmosphere of our planet, and discusses historical and contemporary achievements in meteorological science and technology for the betterment of society. The book explores many significant atmospheric phenomena and physical processes from the local to global scale, as well as from the perspective of short and long-term time scales, and links these processes to various applications in other scientific disciplines with linkages to meteorology. In addition to addressing general topics such as climate system dynamics and climate change, the book also discusses atmospheric boundary layer, atmospheric waves, atmospheric chemistry, optics/photometeors, electricity, atmospheric modeling and numeric weather prediction. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book will be of interest to researchers, students and academics in meteorology and atmospheric science, environmental physics, climate change dynamics, air pollution and human health impacts of atmospheric aerosols.

This is the first biography of Julian Schwinger, one of the great theoretical physicists of the twentieth century. A long-time colleague and collaborator of Richard Feynman, he was the joint winner with Feynman of the 1965 Nobel Prize for Physics for their work on quantum electrodynamics. However his contribution extended far beyond this, and his life and achievements are chronicled in this book.

The Future of Decentralized Electricity Distribution Networks assesses the evolution of the services delivered by the distribution network as the demands placed on it proliferates from distributed, self-generating, power storing and power sharing 'consumers' - which Sioshansi terms 'prosumagers'. The work outlines the processes by which passive and homogeneous electricity consumers become prosumers and prosumagers, the nature of their service needs and dependence on the services delivered by the distribution network diverges. Contributors assess how consumers are discovering and exercising options to migrate away from total reliance on upstream generators to produce electricity and on the delivery network for its transmission. As they do so, the "utilities" - be they distributors or retailers - must rethink the traditional utility business model. How will they find sufficient revenues to cover their fixed and variable costs as volumetric consumption declines when some consumers become prosumers - or go a step further and become prosumagers? This work argues that new service and business models, and new methods for collecting sufficient revenues to maintain the network, are mandatory for the survival of modern utilities.

Energy Optimization in Process Systems and Fuel Cells, Third Edition covers the optimization and integration of energy systems, with a particular focus on fuel cell technology. With rising energy prices, imminent energy shortages, and the increasing environmental impacts of energy production, energy optimization and systems integration is critically important. The book applies thermodynamics, kinetics and economics to study the effect of equipment size, environmental parameters, and economic factors on optimal power production and heat integration. Author Stanislaw Sieniutycz, highly recognized for his expertise and teaching, shows how costs can be substantially reduced, particularly in utilities common in the chemical industry. This third edition contains substantial revisions and modifications, with new material on catalytic reactors, sorption systems, sorbent or catalyst regenerators, dryers, and more.

Key features Major concepts in thermal physics are introduced cohesively through computational and mathematical treatments. Computational examples in Python programming language guide students on how to simulate and visualize thermodynamic principles and processes for themselves.

This book contains a modern selection of about 200 solved problems and examples arranged in a didactic way for hands-on experience with course work in a standard advanced undergraduate/first-year graduate class in thermodynamics and statistical physics. The principles of thermodynamics and equilibrium statistical physics are few and simple, but their application often proves more involved than it may seem at first sight. This book is a comprehensive complement to any textbook in the field, emphasizing the analogies between the different systems, and paves the way for an in-depth study of solid state physics, soft matter physics, and field theory.

This book highlights a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the fundamental principles related to nuclear engineering. As one of the most popular choices of future energy, nuclear energy is of increasing demand globally. Due to the complexity of nuclear engineering, its research and development as well as safe operation of its facility requires a wide scope of knowledge, ranging from basic disciplines such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and thermodynamics to applied subjects such as reactor theory and radiation protection. The book covers all necessary knowledge in an illustrative and readable style, with a sufficient amount of examples and exercises. It is an easy-to-read textbook for graduate students in nuclear engineering and a valuable handbook for nuclear facility operators, maintenance personnel and technical staff.

This book presents the derivation of the fluctuation theorems with divergent entropy production and their application to fundamental problems in statistical physics. It explores the two basic aspects of the fluctuation theorems: i) Applicability in extreme situations with divergent entropy production, concluding that the fluctuation theorems remain valid under the notion of absolute irreversibility, and ii) utility in the investigation of classical enigmas in the framework of statistical physics, i.e., Gibbs and Loschmidt paradoxes. The book offers readers an overview of the research in fundamental statistical physics. Firstly it briefly but skillfully reviews the modern development of fluctuation theorems to found the key theme of the book. Secondly it concisely discusses historical issues of statistical physics in chronological order, along with the key literature in the field. They help readers easily follow the key developments in the fundamental research of statistical physics.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Propagation of Correlations in Constrained Systems, Cargese, Corsica, France, July 2-14, 1990"

This textbook aims to briefly outline the main directions in which the geometrization of thermodynamics has been developed in the last decades. The textbook is accessible to people trained in thermal sciences but not necessarily with solid formation in mathematics. For this, in the first chapters a summary of the main mathematical concepts is made. In some sense, this makes the textbook self-consistent. The rest of the textbook consists of a collection of results previously obtained in this young branch of thermodynamics. The manner of presentation used throughout the textbook is adapted for ease of access of readers with education in natural and technical sciences.

This is the first biography of Julian Schwinger, one of the great theoretical physicists of the twentieth century. A long-time colleague and collaborator of Richard Feynman, he was the joint winner with Feynman of the 1965 Nobel Prize for Physics for their work on quantum electrodynamics. However his contribution extended far beyond this, and his life and achievements are chronicled in this book.