Irreversible Thermodynamics: Theory and Applications

Irreversible thermodynamics is an extension of classical thermodynamics which provides a unified method of examining transport processes and, in particular, cases where simultaneous transport processes need to be studied together. These are common in various fields such as electrochemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry and biophysics, metallurgy and geology. In this book, the basic equations of irreversible thermodynamics are derived simply, using a minimum of mathematics firstly for very simple systems, and by example extended into more complex cases. The second part of the book then utilizes this theoretical background to discuss the applications in different fields. Important problems are used as case studies to highlight the use of irreversible thermodynamics in, for example, ion selective electrodes, biological systems and frost heave situations. Irreversible thermodynamics is an increasingly important tool in a number of disciplines and this volume will provide an ideal introduction for those using it for the first time. *** The now deceased Katrine Seip Forland and Tormod Forland served as professors at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in inorganic and physical chemistry, respectively. At an early stage, Katrine Seip Forland investigated non-stoichiometric oxides, while Tormod Forland developed thermodynamic models for salt melts and slags. Both invested a large effort in creating chemical engineering education in East Africa, and in 1990 T. Forland became honorary doctor of the University of Tanzania. He was the 1988 recipient of the Guldberg-Waage medal. In the 70's they took an interest in irreversible thermodynamics, and were joined by Signe Kjelstrup (previously Kjelstrup Ratkje). She has been professor of physical chemistry since 1985. Many of her early works in irreversible thermodynamics concern electrochemical systems. Since 1995 she has also studied entropy production minimisation in process equipment. She is honorary doctor of the University of North East China, and has been teaching irreversible thermo-dynamics also in Kyoto University.