Reversible processes in the thermodynamics of continuous media (Q1175215)

This treatise introduces a mathematical framework in the thermodynamics of reversible processes based on foregoing considerations of \textit{B. G. Coleman} and \textit{D. R. Owen} [e.g.: Lect. Notes Math. 1174, 83-99 (1986; Zbl 0593.73005)]. The systems studied are continuous bodies consisting of simple materials. At first the notions of states, processes and cycles are defined. Whereas the process is given by the time evolution of the velocity gradient, the rate of temperature and the temperature gradient, the kind of state is the essential constitutive assumption. The first law states that the total work --- the sum of mechanical work and heat --- performed locally during a cycle vanishes. From this statement the existence of the state function of the specific internal energy is deduced. Definitions of reverse and reversible processes are connected with the second law given by a dissipation inequality of the integral type for cyclic processes. As consequence follows the existence of a (not unique) entropy functional. It is proved that the limiting case of equality in the second law exists only for reversible processes. Examples concerning thermoelastic solids, thermoviscous fluids and linear visoelastic solids are presented. Some discussions on the suitable choice of the definitions of processes and reverse processes close this clear and informative study. As common in axiomatic papers on thermodynamics the physical question how to choose reasonably the elements of the state is not discussed.