Nonequilibrium translational effects in evaporation and condensation

TL;DR

This paper develops a mesoscopic nonequilibrium thermodynamics framework for evaporation and condensation, incorporating internal variables to better explain mechanisms suggested by molecular simulations, especially for small activation energies.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical foundation for condensation based on extended thermodynamics with internal variables, advancing understanding beyond traditional models.

Findings

Flux deviates from Arrhenius behavior at small activation energies

Provides a new theoretical basis for condensation mechanisms from molecular simulation insights

Extends thermodynamic variables to include internal variables for better modeling

Abstract

This paper shows how mesoscopic nonequilibrium thermodynamics can be applied to condensation and evaporation. By extending the normal set of thermodynamic variables with two internal variables, we are able to give a new theoretical foundation for a mechanism of condensation that has been proposed from molecular simulation results. The flux does not follow a simple Arrhenius formula for small activation energies which are relevant here.