Thermodynamics and rheology (Q1921749)

This book deals both with complicated and far-reaching forms of motion of materials continuously filling up the universe and with establishing principles in joining classical field theoretical methods with irreversible thermodynamics, using macroscopic methods but not forgetting the corpuscular structure of the agents. Chapters 1 and 2 include the principles of continuum mechanics to the extent needed to expound a unified theory by giving the definitions taken from continuum mechanics together with their correlations. The apparatus required to consider the effects of gravitational and electromagnetic fields is so defined that it can be applied even in the case of micropolar media. Chapter 3 outlines the well-known methods relating to stress and strain. This chapter aims partly at summarizing experimental results and partly at indicating ideas taken from rheology and continuum mechanics. Chapter 4 includes the setting forth of irreversible thermodynamics, acquainting the reader with balance equations and ``linear'' laws of irreversible thermodynamics as well as with the Onsager-Casimir reciprocal relations, and with Gyarmati's variational principle. The new theory and applications of dynamic variables are described in this chapter. Chapter 5 is based on the hypothesis of local equilibrium. It also incorporates theories of classical elasticity, thermoelasticity and Newtonian fluids into the framework of thermodynamics. Chapter 6 studies media far from equilibrium, rejecting the hypothesis of local equilibrium. New results follow the solution of linear constitutive equations of Onsager's thermodynamics, thus enabling models of rheology to begin from a single uniform basic principle. The viscoelastic and plastic response, Ostwald's curve characterizing the generalized Newtonian fluids, the effect of creep, the elastic features preceding plastic flow, the basic interrelations of rheooptics, etc. are interpreted with phenomenological methods, quantitatively. The consistent character of the method is shown by the self-evident theoretical proof of the empirical Cox-Mertz rule. Chapter 7 deals with electromagnetic phenomena, including the irreversible thermodynamic theory of streaming birefringence and photoelasticity. The final chapter 8 outlines some practical applications of the aforesaid theory. Several colloids, polymers as well as liquid crystals are described here. In case of colloids -- after thermodynamic considerations -- the equivalent theory, based on microscopic structure, is mentioned. The appendix sums up the applied mathematical apparatus, but only to facilitate the interpretation of used notations.