Thermodynamics (THD)

Section Information

Thermodynamics focuses on the principles that govern energy, heat, work, and the behavior of physical systems. It examines equilibrium and nonequilibrium processes, phase transformations, transport phenomena, and the fundamental laws that describe how systems exchange energy and evolve over time.

Modern research in thermodynamics includes statistical thermodynamics, nonequilibrium systems, thermal transport, phase behavior of complex materials, chemical thermodynamics, energy conversion, and thermodynamic modeling of physical, chemical, and biological systems. Advances in nanoscale thermodynamics, computational methods, calorimetry, and thermal management technologies continue to expand the field.

This section publishes theoretical studies, experimental investigations, computational models, reviews, and applied research addressing energy transformations, thermodynamic properties, system stability, thermal processes, and engineering applications across materials science, physics, chemistry, and energy systems.

Scope

Classical Thermodynamics
- Laws of thermodynamics and energy conservation
- Thermodynamic cycles, engines, and efficiency analysis
- Properties of pure substances and mixtures
- Phase equilibrium, phase diagrams, and critical phenomena
Statistical Thermodynamics
- Microscopic foundations of entropy and thermodynamic quantities
- Partition functions, ensembles, and probability distributions
- Thermodynamic modeling of gases, liquids, and solids
- Applications to polymers, biological systems, and complex materials
Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
- Transport processes including heat, mass, and momentum
- Irreversible processes, entropy production, and dissipation
- Thermodynamics of open and driven systems
- Applications to chemical reactors, biological systems, and energy devices
Chemical Thermodynamics
- Reaction equilibria, Gibbs energy, and phase behavior
- Thermodynamic modeling of mixtures and solutions
- Electrochemical thermodynamics and energy storage processes
- Thermodynamic analysis of catalytic and reactive systems
Thermal Transport and Heat Transfer
- Conduction, convection, and radiation mechanisms
- Thermal properties of materials and fluids
- High-temperature systems and cryogenic thermodynamics
- Nanoscale thermal transport and phonon engineering
Computational and Applied Thermodynamics
- Equation-of-state modeling and thermodynamic databases
- Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations
- Numerical methods for multiphase and reactive systems
- Machine learning for predicting thermodynamic properties
Energy Systems and Engineering Applications
- Power generation, refrigeration, and energy conversion systems
- Renewable and sustainable energy technologies
- Thermodynamics of combustion, fuel cells, and batteries
- Optimization of industrial and environmental processes
Thermodynamics of Biological and Soft Matter Systems
- Thermodynamic principles in cells, membranes, and biomolecules
- Protein folding, binding equilibria, and biochemical energetics
- Soft matter thermodynamics including colloids and polymers
- Biophysical modeling and experimental calorimetry