Analytical Thermodynamics

Abstract: This paper proposes a theory that bridges classical analytical mechanics and nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Its intent is to derive the evolution equations of a system from a stationarity principle for a suitably augmented Lagrangian action. This aim is attained for homogeneous systems, described by a finite number of state variables depending on time only. In particular, it is shown that away from equilibrium free energy and entropy are independent constitutive functions.