June 18, 2020

Webinar: Onsager’s variational principle, generalized reciprocal theorem, and their applications

Tiezheng Qian

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Abstract: In this talk, I will first give a brief review of Onsager’s variational principle (OVP), which is of fundamental importance to linear irreversible thermodynamics. I will then go through Stokes equation and Fick’s diffusion equation to demonstrate its applications. Finally, I will show how the local reciprocal symmetry, which underlies OVP, can be extended to a symmetry at the global scale. If time allows, I will also include the recent application of OVP to the study of coffee-ring effect.

Slides for the talk (click)

Recorded video for the talk (click)