On the second law of thermodynamics for unilateral variables (Q1385251)

In this posthumously published work of Dr. J. Lambermont, the second law of thermodynamics and its consequences are discussed in the presence of unilateral state variables. Unilateral variables are defined as state variables whose variations from equilibrium are one-sided, namely either positive or negative. In order to show that Gibbs and Prigogine-Defay inference that in a stable equilibrium state the internal energy has a boundary minimum with respect to the unilateral variables is incorrect, the author considers two examples, i.e. plasticity and the dry friction between solids. In the former case, the internal variable is the yield function while in the latter case the internal variable is the displacement of one solid with respect to the other. Obviously, these two counterexamples invalidate the generally accepted principle and clearly show that a more refined analysis of the second law is required if unilateral variables are present.