Challenges to The Second Law of Thermodynamics - Theory and Experiment

Contents

Preface

References

Acknowledgements

1 Entropy and the Second Law

1.1 Early Thermodynamics

1.2 The Second Law: Twenty-One Formulations

1.3 Entropy: Twenty-One Varieties

1.4 Nonequilibrium Entropy

1.5 Entropy and the Second Law: Discussion

1.6 Zeroth and Third Laws of Thermodynamics

References

2 Challenges (1870-1980)

2.1 Maxwell’s Demon and Other Victorian Devils

2.2 Exorcising Demons

2.3 Inviolability Arguments

2.4 Candidate Second Law Challenges

References

3 Modern Quantum Challenges: Theory

3.1 Prolegomenon

3.2 Thermodynamic Limit and Weak Coupling

3.3 BeyondWeak Coupling: Quantum Correlations

3.4 Allahverdyan-Nieuwenhuizen Theorem

3.5 Scaling and Beyond

3.6 Quantum Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Models

3.7 Disputed Quantum Models

3.8 Kinetics in the DC Limit

3.9 Theoretical Summary

References

4 Low-Temperature Experiments and Proposals

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Superconductivity

4.3 Keefe CMCE Engine

4.4 Nikulov Inhomogeneous Loop

4.5 Bose-Einstein Condensation and the Second Law

4.6 Quantum Coherence and Entanglement

References

5 Modern Classical Challenges

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Gordon Membrane Models

5.3 Denur Challenges

5.4 Crosignani-Di Porto Adiabatic Piston

5.5 Trupp Electrocaloric Cycle

5.6 Liboff Tri-Channel

5.7 Thermodynamic Gas Cycles

References

6 Gravitational Challenges

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Asymmetric Gravitator Model

6.3 Loschmidt Gravito-Thermal Effect

References

7 Chemical Nonequilibrium Steady States

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Chemical Paradox and Detailed Balance

7.3 Pressure Gradients and Reaction Rates

7.4 Numerical Simulations

7.5 Laboratory Experiments

7.6 Discussion and Outlook

References

8 Plasma Paradoxes

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Plasma I System

8.3 Plasma II System

8.4 Jones and Cruden Criticisms

References

9 MEMS/NEMS Devices

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Thermal Capacitors

9.3 Linear Electrostatic Motor (LEM)

9.4 Hammer and Anvil Model

9.5 Experimental Prospects

References

10 Special Topics

10.1 Rubrics for Classical Challenges

10.2 Thermosynthetic Life

10.3 Physical Eschatology

10.4 The Second Law Mystique

References

Color Plates

Index