A derivation of thermodynamic principles

Abstract

A detailed macroscopic description as in continuum mechanics, and just the concept of microstate,have been used to derive thermodynamics from mechanics. In opposition to statistical physics, the derivation lays emphasis on a definite prescription for macrostates (and non-equilibrium entropy), and uses basic features of the macrostate concept: complementary descriptions, involving either conservative and additive quantities or densities;scale-free character; reference to finite velocities and regions distant in space, thus introducing time indirectly. On the other hand, the derivation keeps the particle substratum (limit of number of particles N taken at fixed densities), and makes no ergodic-type considerations.