Entropy production and equilibrium conditions in general-covariant continuum physics

Abstract

AbstractStarting out with an entropy identity, we establish the entropy flux, the entropy production, and the corresponding Gibbs and Gibbs–Duhem equations of general-covariant continuum thermodynamics. Non-dissipative materials and equilibria are investigated. We prove that equilibrium conditions only put on material properties cannot generate equilibria, rather the Killing property of the 4-temperature is a necessary condition for space-times in which equilibria are possible.