Plenary Lecture
Some Implications of a Scale-Invariant Model of Statistical Mechanics to Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Combustion
Professor Siavash H. Sohrab
Robert McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University
USA
E-mail: s-sohrab@northwestern.edu
Abstract: Some implications of a scale-invariant model of Boltzmann statistical mechanics to classical and relativistic thermodynamics are described. Stochastic definitions of (Planck, Boltzmann) constants related to (spatial, temporal) aspect of Casimir vacuum fluctuations help to establish reality of space and time in harmony with perceptions of Euler. Absolute thermodynamic temperature scale [Kelvin] is identified as a length scale [meter] corresponding to Wien wavelength of particle thermal oscillations. Hierarchies of embedded statistical fields lead to (extension, duration) and associated external (internal) coordinates (x, t) of space and time in harmony with Poincaré-Lorentz dynamic as opposed to Einstein kinematic theory of relativity. Definition of cosmological, thermodynamic, and biological times and the reason for coincidence of direction of arrows of time across hierarchies of scales are examined. Poincaré -Minkowski geometrization of time as well as Gödel rotating universe and his closed time-like world lines are discussed. Finally, invariant forms of conservation equations are employed to present: (1) A solution of viscous laminar flow across rigid cylinder that resolves the classical Stokes paradox (2) A modified hydro-thermo-diffusive theory of laminar flames.
Brief Biography of the Speaker: Siavash H. Sohrab received his PhD in Engineering Physics in 1981 from University of California, San Diego, his MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University in 1975, and his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis in 1973. He joined Northwestern University Postdoctoral Fellow (1982-1984), Assistant Professor (1984-1990), Associate Professor (1990-2015), and Research Professor (2016-) of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University.