On a Carnot working continuum with non-equilibrium state parameters

Abstract

We explain that a full description of how the non-equilibrium state of the system evolves in time requires the consideration and solution of its general equation of motion. In the case of the Carnot medium, as a general equation of motion, there must be taken two balances of: nonequilibrium specific volume and non-equilibrium specific entropy. Instead of taking the classical approach where the balance of entropy is postponed to more advanced and theoretical treatments, we focus on the analysis of two, most general, volume and entropy fluxes. These fluxes of motion are universal features of thermodynamics. It has been shown that the Carnot working continuum mathematical model is captured by the two general nonmathematical statements valid for all systems that we call the first law and the second law of thermodynamics.