Toward Equilibrium: Elements of Transport Phenomena

Abstract

Nonequilibrium systems are discussed in this chapter by describing the transport processes that lead to the equilibrium state. The principles of the description of transport on the basis of generalized forces and fluxes is given for the case of heat conduction, the conduction of electricity and the transfer of momentum during viscuous flow. Diffusive material transport is treated in somewhat more details, showing the derivation of Fick’s second law, with a short explanation of material balance equations. The solution of this equation for semi-infinite and infinite diffusion is also discussed. A brief explanation of principal processes and coupled processes concludes the short chapter.