Thermodynamics and Dynamic Stability: Extended Theories of Heat Conduction

Abstract: The fundamental dynamic stability of heat conduction theories beyond Fourier is analyzed in the framework of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. It is shown, that the thermodynamic framework, concave entropy and nonnegative entropy production, can ensure the stability of homogeneous thermodynamic equilibrium. Various special heat conduction theories of Extended Thermodynamics are compared and analysed in the general framework.