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I. Irreversible Thermodynamics of Systems Containing Radiation. Application to Photochemical Reactions. II. Mean Values in Ensembles of Systems of Particles with Long-Range Potentials. III. Approximations to Time-Dependent Ensemble Averages

Citation

Mortimer, Robert George (1963) I. Irreversible Thermodynamics of Systems Containing Radiation. Application to Photochemical Reactions. II. Mean Values in Ensembles of Systems of Particles with Long-Range Potentials. III. Approximations to Time-Dependent Ensemble Averages. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/6XPY-Y044. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04302012-143409544

Abstract

I. The general theory of the irreversible thermodynamics of chemically reacting systems interacting with radiation is developed. From this, a limit to the efficiency of photochemical processes is derived, and this is compared with approximate experimental efficiencies of published researches, which are found to be considerably lower.

II. A general cluster method of obtaining approximations to ensemble averages of functions depending on coordinates and/or momenta at a single time is derived, starting with a method, due to Mazo and Zemach, valid only for short-range forces, and proceeding to a method capable of treating systems of particles with long and short-range potentials, such as ionic solutions.

III. Approaches to the time evolution of distribution functions and to time-correlation functions are discussed. A general perturbation series approach to time-correlation functions through the exponential Liouville operator is derived, and this is applied to the calculation of the first-order correction to a Fokker-Planck friction constant and to first and second-order corrections to a momentum autocorrelation function.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Chemistry and Physics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Minor Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Mazo, Robert M.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1963
Additional Information:Title varies in the 1963 Caltech commencement program: I. Irreversible Thermodynamics of Photochemistry. II. Approximations to Ensemble Averages.
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04302012-143409544
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04302012-143409544
DOI:10.7907/6XPY-Y044
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6992
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Benjamin Perez
Deposited On:02 May 2012 14:37
Last Modified:08 Jan 2024 23:38

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