Critical study of theories of irreversible thermodynamics

The systematic development and critical analysis of various proposals of irreversible thermodynamics has been discussed. These proposals include Statistical Foundation of Irreversible Thermodynamics, Linear Irreversible Thermodynamics (LIT), Classical Irreversible Thermodynamics (CIT), Extended Irreversible Thermodynamics (EIT) and Stability Analysis. Based on the observations which were evolved through our study, general conclusions are drawn and sequentially summarized in this paper The main objectives behind this study are to critically analyze the existing theories of irreversible thermodynamics and investigate their thermodynamic legitimacy, to examine the extent of applicability of these theories under various physical situations and under the law of thermodynamics and to identify unified approach in place of variable structures of formworks for irreversible processes. These objectives are evaluated here on the basis of observations and findings obtained from the critical analysis. The results of the present study which have been reported and discussed are evaluated in the light of different hypotheses. The tenability of the Hypotheses is checked in order to know whether they stand established/ accepted or rejected. It has been observed that existing theories do not cover entire domain of non-equilibrium processes.