Thermodynamics of Energy and Mineral Systems

Catalog description

This course presents linear and non-linear irreversible thermodynamics as a means to explore the coupling between physicochemical, kinetic, and transport processes. Linear irreversible thermodynamics will be illustrated by well-known and practical phenomena such as Seebeck effect (thermocouple), Peltier effect (dehumidifier), Soret effect (thermal diffusion), etc. Non-linear irreversible thermodynamics will be used for demonstrating the phenomena of bifurcation, self-organization, and dissipative structures that take place in nature and human society. The self-organizing economy will also be discussed to show how the far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics can be applied to some economic phenomena.