Thermodynamic field theory with applications

Abstract

AbstractThermodynamic field theory (TFT) allows us to deal with thermodynamic systems submitted even to strong nonequilibrium conditions. The theory formulated in this article enables us to find field equations whose solutions give the generalized relations between the thermodynamic forces and their conjugate flows. It will be shown that evolution of thermodynamic systems is well described in Weyl's space. In the particular case in which the thermodynamic forces and conjugate flows are linked only through a symmetric tensor (the metric tensor), the resulting geometry is Riemannian geometry. When Weyl's space is even‐dimensional, the thermodynamic space introduced in this study becomes a differentiable symplectic manifold. As an example of application, the thermoelectric effect and the unimolecular triangular chemical reaction are analyzed in great detail. The Field–Körös–Noyes model shows the theoretical treatment of a more complex chemical example. Theoretical analysis of materials simultaneously submitted to magnetic fields and electric currents can be found in previous articles. In this case, TFT foresees a new effect: the nonlinear Hall effect. The agreement between the theoretical predictions and experiments is discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004