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Thermodynamic definition of mean temperature
A E Allahverdyan1,2, S G Gevorkian1,3, Yu A Dyakov4
1Alikhanian National Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute), Alikhanian Brothers Street 2, Yerevan 0036, Armenia.
Physical Review. E
|November 18, 2023
Summary
Researchers propose a new thermodynamic definition for mean temperature, crucial for climate science and biophysics. This definition uses energy and entropy during equilibration, offering a physically sound approach beyond mathematical averages.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Climate Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- The concept of mean temperature is vital across scientific disciplines.
- Existing definitions lack a rigorous thermodynamic foundation, often relying on non-unique mathematical averages.
- Temperature's nature as an ordinal variable complicates traditional averaging methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a physically correct thermodynamic definition of mean temperature.
- To address the limitations of current mathematical averaging approaches.
- To provide a foundation for understanding temperature in non-equilibrium systems.
Main Methods:
- Developing a definition based on equilibration processes (reversible and irreversible).
- Utilizing energy and entropy as primary determinants within a thermodynamic framework.
- Applying dimensional analysis and the maximum ignorance principle to refine the definition.
Main Results:
- A novel thermodynamic definition for mean temperature is proposed.
- The definition is independent of specific mathematical averaging techniques.
- A general formula is derived for ideal and non-ideal gases with constant heat capacities.
Conclusions:
- The proposed definition offers a robust thermodynamic basis for mean temperature.
- This approach is applicable to various non-equilibrium initial states.
- The new definition enhances the understanding of thermal properties in complex systems.
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