Reply to the Comments on: Tian Zhao et al. The Principle of Least Action for Reversible Thermodynamic Processes and Cycles. Entropy 2018, 20, 542.

Zeng-Yuan Guo,Tian Zhao,Yu-Chao Hua

doi:10.3390/e20120986

Abstract

The purpose of this reply is to provide a discussion and closure for the comment paper by Dr. Bormashenko on the present authors’ article, which discussed the application of the principle of least action in reversible thermodynamic processes and cycles. Dr. Bormashenko’s questions and misunderstandings are responded to, and the differences between the present authors’ work and Lucia’s are also presented.

Highlights

The present authors noticed a comment made by Dr Bormashenko [1] referring to the present authors’ research article which discussed the principle of least action in reversible thermodynamic processes and cycles [2]
There exists an infinite number of thermal (T, S) pathways supplying the maximum heat to the system
There exists a unique pathway supplying the maximum heat to the system, and an infinite number of pathways supplying the minimum heat to the system

Summary

Introduction

The present authors noticed a comment made by Dr Bormashenko [1] referring to the present authors’ research article which discussed the principle of least action in reversible thermodynamic processes and cycles [2]. 1. In the comment [1], it was said that “The variational principle says nothing about the maximal time of such a movement [2,3]. There exists an infinite number of thermal (T, S) pathways supplying the maximum heat to the system.

Results

Conclusion