Thermodynamics based on the Hahn-Banach theorem: The Clausius inequality (Q1072737)

This article is really a monography concerning the axiomatics of at least equilibrium thermodynamics. The pivot of the examination is the so-called Kelvin-Planck prohibition of the complete conversion of heat into work by cyclic processes without any change in the surroundings. The treatise proceeds by the following steps: 1. The strict mathematical definition of Kelvin-Planck systems by means of certain properties. 2. The proof of the Clausius inequality and of the existence of (at least one) so-called Clausius temperature by use of the Hahn-Banach theorem. 3. The division of the state space into equivalence classes called hotness levels and the proof that a given hotness level is a isotherm for every Clausius temperature scale. 4. The introduction of various kinds of ordering the hotness levels and the examination how this ordering is rendered by the temperature scale. 5. The study of the conditions by which the order of the hotness levels is reproduced correctly by a scale of the real line. 6. Uniqueness of temperature scales and Carnot processes. The article is closed by extensive complementary appendices. It seems to be very valuable for all people striving for a deeper insight into the mathematical structure of thermodynamics. Some remarks on physical contents shall conclude this review: Here the resulting temperature is a function of state whereas in the Clausius inequality of conventional thermodynamics the temperature is a property of the (equilibrium) surroundings. Thus a sharpening of the classical Clausius inequality is derived. - The definition of ''same hotness'' seems to be a little artificial from the viewpoint of experimentalists and engineers who wish at least approximately to transform such a prescription in real procedures. - Desirable is a transcription of this interesting treatise for the use of workers in applied thermodynamics who generally fail to have disposal of the mathematics used here.