Contact quantities and non-equilibrium entropy of discrete systems (Q1031054)

The author presents a rigorous review of thermodynamics of discrete systems. The discrete systems are approximately in equilibrium exchanging power and material with each other without disturbing their internal equilibrium. A non-equilibrium system is described by two non equilibrium quantities, a non-equilibrium temperature and a chemical potential. Conditions satisfying the inerrability conditions of the non-equilibrium entropy rate are established. As the internal energy is independent of the contact temperature, the Maxwell relations of the non-equilibrium entropy is different than that in equilibrium. Further the dissipation inequality in the non-equilibrium theory of discrete systems represents a constraint for the constitutive equations. The review is well written and is likely to trigger the curiosity among the researchers dealing with the finite time thermodynamics as well as atmospheric thermodynamics.