Alternative Mathematical Theory of Non-equilibrium Phenomena

Dieter Straub

Elsevier Science, 1997 - Mathematics - 377 pages

Alternative Mathematical Theory of Non-equilibrium Phenomena presents an entirely new theoretical approach to complex non-equilibrium phenomena, especially Gibbs/Falk thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. This innovative new theory allows for inclusion of all state variables and introduces a new vector-dissipation velocity-which leads to useful restatements of momentum, the Second Law, and tensors for the laws of motion, friction, and heat conduction. This application-oriented text is relatively self-contained and is an excellent guide-book for engineers with a strong interest in fundamentals, or for professionals using applied mathematics and physics in engineering applications.

This book emphasizes macroscopic phenomena, focusing specifically on gaseous states, though relations to liquid and crystalline states are also considered. The author presents a new Alternative Continuum Theory of Compressible Fluids (AT) which providesa qualitative description of the subject in predominantly physical terms, minimizing the mathematical premises. The methodology discussed has applications in a wide range of fields outside of physics in areas including General System Theory, TheoreticalEconomics, and Biophysics and Medicine.

• Presents the first theory capable of handling non-equilibria phenomena
• Offers a unified theory of all branches of macroscopic physics
• Considers a consistent and uniform view of reality, supported by modern mathematics, leading to results different than those produced by classical theories
• Results in a change of paradigms in physics, engineering, and natural philosophy

About the author

Dieter Straub graduated from the Technical University 'Fridericiana in Karlsruhe (UFK) in 1960 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to get his Ph.D. at the Institute of Technical Thermodynamics and Refrigeration of UFK in 1964. While at this institute, he worked as a Research Assistant and an Assistant Professor. He was also a Senior Scientist in a group studying the Dynamics of Real Gases, associated with the Institute of Applied Mathematics of UFK. From 1971 to 1974 Straub was a scientific employee at the Society for Space Research (GfW) of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology at Bonn/Cologne. He was the Chief of the Aerodynamics, Thermodynamics, and Flight Mechanics Section in the GfW Department of Space Technology. Dr. Straub also managed the research project, 'Reentry Technology. He acted as the promoter and chairman of the interdisciplinary study group for Advanced Reentry Vehicle Technology as well. Dr. Straub is currently Full Professor of Thermodynamics and Heat and Mass Transfer, and Director of the Institute of Thermodynamics at the Department of Aeronautical and Aerospace Technology at the University of the Federal Armed Forces, Munich. Straub has many papers and anthology contributions to his credit, including three monographs titled Thermofluid Dynamics of Optimized Rocket Propulsions: Extended Lewis Code Fundamentals (1989), A History of the Glass Bead Game: Irreversibility in Physics--Irritations and Inferences (1990, in German), and Analytical Production Theory (1992, in German, co-authors K. Hoher and M. Lauster.)

Bibliographic information

• Title: Alternative Mathematical Theory of Non-equilibrium Phenomena; Volume 196 of Mathematics in Science and Engineering, ISSN 0076-5392
• Author: Dieter Straub
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Elsevier Science, 1997
• ISBN: 0126730156, 9780126730159
• Length: 377 pages
• Subjects: Mathematics / Applied; Science / Mechanics / Fluids; Science / Mechanics / Thermodynamics; Science / Physics / Mathematical & Computational; Technology & Engineering / Mechanical