Challenges to the second law of thermodynamics : theory and experiment

Preface Acknowledgements 1: Entropy and the Second Law 1.1 Early Thermodynamics 1.2 The Second Law: Twenty-One Formulations 1.3 Entropy: Twenty-One Varieties 1.4 Nonequilibrium Entropy 1.5 Entropy and the Second Law: Discussion 1.6 Zeroth and Third Laws of Thermodynamics References 2: Challenges (1870-1980) 2.1 Maxwell's Demon and Other Victorian Devils 2.2 Exorcising Demons 2.3 Inviolability Arguments 2.4 Candidate Second Law Challenges References 3: Modern Quantum Challenges: Theory 3.1 Prolegomenon 3.2 Thermodynamic Limit and Weak Coupling 3.3 Beyond Weak Coupling: Quantum Correlations 3.4 Allahverdyan and Nieuwenhuizen Theorem 3.5 Scaling and Beyond 3.6 Quantum Kinetic and Non-Kinetic Models 3.7 Disputed Quantum Models 3.8 Kinetics in the DC Limit 3.9 Theoretical Summary References 4: Low-Temperature Experiments and Proposals 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Superconductivity 4.3 Keefe CMCE Engine 4.4 Nikulov Inhomogeneous Loop 4.5 Bose-Einstein Condensation and the Second Law 4.6 Quantum Coherence and Entanglement References 5: Modern Classical Challenges 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Gordon Membrane Models 5.3 Denur Challenges 5.4 Crosignani-Di Porto Adiabatic Piston 5.5 Trupp Electrocaloric Cycle 5.6 Liboff Tri-Channel 5.7 Thermodynamic Gas Cycles References 6: Gravitational Challenges 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Asymmetric Gravitator Model 6.3 Loschmidt Gravito-Thermal Effect References 7: Chemical Nonequilibrium Steady States 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Chemical Paradox and Detailed Balance 7.3 Pressure Gradients and Reactions Rates 7.4 Numerical Simulations 7.5 Laboratory Experiments 7.6 Discussion and Outlook References 8: Plasma Paradoxes 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Plasma I System 8.3 Plasma II System 8.4 Jones andCruden Criticisms References 9: MEMS/NEMS Devices 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Thermal Capacitors 9.3 Linear Electrostatic Motor (LEM) 9.4 Hammer-Anvil Model 9.5 Experimental Prospects References 10: Special Topics 10.1 Rubrics for Classical Challenges 10.2 Thermosynthetic Life 10.3 Physical Eschatology 10.4 The Second Law Mystique References Color Plates Index