Thermodynamics Of Complex Systems: An Introduction To Ecophysics: 4 (Series On Advances In Statistical Mechanics) - Hardcover

Sertorio, Luigi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9971509784 ISBN 13: 9789971509781

Publisher: EPB Publishers Pte Ltd, 1990

Synopsis

This book aims at guiding the reader with continuity from the elements of classical equilibrium thermodynamics to the formal problems of global non equilibrium thermodynamics necessary to describe an “active system” such is a thermodynamic ecosystem. To this purpose, the brief review of equilibrium thermodynamics emphasizes the concepts of disequilibrium, Carnot cycles and less efficient cycles, and Gibbs availability as the distance from equilibrium. In this way the reader is taken by hand to accept the concept of Gibbs efficiency of the ecosystem Earth as a property given to us by the cosmological evolution. The final chapters are devoted to the optimal control theory of global non-equilibrium systems. An elementary theory of zero energy thermodynamic automata is presented. A thermodynamic automation with four temperatures and three controls is discussed in detail.

About this title

Review

"The book fills a significant gap in the area of ecology and physics and is recommended for upper-division undergraduate students in ecology-related fields." D A Johnson, Spring Arbor College

Synopsis

A highly mathematical treatment of a topic that begs for deformalization in order to be accessible to activists and policy makers: the non-equilibrium thermodynamics of the natural, physical world; how it is exploited by nonhuman living organisms; and how it could be used (instead of inefficient machines) by industrialized humans to create heat and

Edition details

• Publisher: EPB Publishers Pte Ltd
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9971509784
• ISBN 13: 9789971509781
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 220