This is the first comprehensive monograph on a new thermodynamic theory that goes beyond the classical theory of irreversible processes. In contrast to the classical approach, the local equilibrium hypothesis is abandoned, and the basic variables are complemented by non-equilibrium quantities. The claims made for extended thermodynamics are confirmed by the kinetic theory of gases and statistical mechanics. The book covers a wide spectrum of applications, and also contains a wide discussion of the foundations and the scope of the most current theories of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The present edition reflects new developments in the theory of applications, adds new problems and provides a more detailed comparison with other fields of active research. It contains 130 proposed problems, whose detailed solutions, as well as wide bibliography on extended irreversible thermodynamics and related topices, may be unloaded from the www.uab.es/dep-fisica/eit website.

The fast progress in many areas of research related to non-equilibrium ther- dynamics has prompted us to write a fourth edition of this book. Like in the previous editions, our main concern is to open the subject to the widest au- ence, including students, teachers, and researchers in physics, chemistry, engine- ing, biology, and materials sciences. Our objective is to present a general view on several open problems arising in non-equilibrium situations, and to afford a wide perspective of applications illustrating their practical outcomes and con- quences. A better comprehension of the foundations is generally correlated to an increase of the range of applications, implying mutual feedback and cross fert- ization. Truly, thermodynamic methods are widely used in many areas of science but, surprisingly, the active dynamism of thermodynamics as a ?eld on its own is not suf?ciently perceived outside a relatively reduced number of specialized researchers. Extended irreversible thermodynamics (EIT) goes beyond the classical f- malisms based on the local equilibrium hypothesis; it was also referred to in an earlier publication by the authors (Lebon et al. 1992) as a thermodynamics of the third type, as it provides a bridge between classical irreversible thermodynamics and rational thermodynamics, enlarging at the same time their respective range of application. The salient feature of the theory is that the ?uxes are incorporated into the set of basic variables.

Discover the many facets of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The first part of this book describes the current thermodynamic formalism recognized as the classical theory. The second part focuses on different approaches. Throughout the presentation, the emphasis is on problem-solving applications. To help build your understanding, some problems have been analyzed using several formalisms to underscore their differences and their similarities.

Discover the many facets of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. The first part of this book describes the current thermodynamic formalism recognized as the classical theory. The second part focuses on different approaches. Throughout the presentation, the emphasis is on problem-solving applications. To help build your understanding, some problems have been analyzed using several formalisms to underscore their differences and their similarities.

The main objective of the contributions contained in this volume is to present the thermodynamic foundations of the response of elastic and dissipative materials. In particular, the governing equations of non linear thermoelasticity and thermoinelasticity as well as the basic properties of these equations as resulting from the primary assumptions of continuum thermodynamics are derived. The global formulation of thermodynamics of continua is discussed. A special attention is paid to the properties of the balance equations on a singular surface. The possible forms of the second law of thermodynamics are discussed within the frame work ofaxiomatic thermodynamics. Furthermore, the thermodynamiG requirements for differ ent kinds of materials are examined. The secondary purpose of the Course was to discuss some connections between rational and classical formulations of the principles of thermodynamics. The present volume contains the texts of three (of the four delivered) Course lectures. I hope it will constitute a useful source of information on the problems presented and discussed in Udine. Special thanks are due to the International Centre for Mechanical Sciences whose direction encouraged us to prepare and to deliver the lectures."