Competing Styles of Statistical Mechanics: II. Comparison of Theory and Experiment and Further Illustrations
In the present follow-up article of a previous one [1] we illustrate the use of the Unconventional Statistical Mechanics described and discussed in the latter. This is done via the analysis, resorting to Renyi approach, of experimental results in the case of so-called "anomalous" luminescence in nanometric quantum wells in semiconductor heterostructures, and the so-called "anomalous" cyclic voltammetry in fractal-like electrodes in microbatteries. Also a purely theoretical analysis is done in the cases of an ideal gas and of radiation comparing the conventional and unconventional approaches. In all of these situations it is discussed which is the failure to satisfy the Criteria of Efficiency and/or Sufficiency thus requiring to resort to the unconventional approach, and what determines the value of the infoentropic index in each case, and its dependence on the system characteristics. Moreover, on the basis of the results we obtain, it is conjectured that the infoentropic index may satisfy what we call a law defining a "path to sufficiency". PACS: 05.70.Ln; 82.20.Mj; 82.20.Db Keywords: Renyi Statistics; Escort Probability; Fractal Structured Systems; Power Law Properties.
On the Statistical Foundations of Irreversible Thermodynamics
We briefly, and partially, consider aspects of the present status of phenomenological irreversible thermodynamics and nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. After short comments on Classical Irreversible Thermodynamics, its conceptual and practical shortcomings are pointed out, as well as the efforts undertaken to go beyond its limits, consisting of particular approaches to a more general theory of Irreversible Thermodynamics. In particular, a search for statistical-mechanical foundations of Irreversible Thermodynamics, namely, the construction of a statistical thermodynamics, are based on the Non-equilibrium Statistical Operator Method. This important theory for the treatment of phenomena at the macroscopic level, is based on a microscopic molecular description in the context of a nonequilibrium ensemble formalism. We draw attention to the fact that this method may be considered to be emcompassed within Jaynes' Predictive Statistical Mechanics and based on the principle of maximization of informational entropy. Finally, we describe how, in fact, the statistical method provides foundations to phenomenological irreversible thermodynamics, thus giving rise to what can be referred to as Informational Statistical Thermodynamics.
Prediction of net pressure on pressure equalized cavities
Abstract A numerical model has been developed for prediction of net pressure on pressure equalized cavities. The results based on this model show good agreement with those obtained from mock-up tests. Parametric studies verify that reductions in cladding load are possible, with proper design of curtain walls.