scholarly journals Dynamics of Meaning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Gindler
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Mean ◽  
World History ◽  
Formal Theory ◽  
Statistical Characteristics ◽  
Knowledge Accumulation ◽  
Laws Of Thermodynamics ◽  
Incoming Information ◽  
Classical Thermodynamics ◽  
Its Polymorphism ◽  
Multiplicative Cascade

A formal theory of meaning (the process of knowledge accumulation) as multiplicative chaos is proposed. The epistemological process is understood as the process of subjective extraction of some knowledge from the incoming information. The concepts of nonsense are introduced as a meaning that has a minimum value equal to one and the level of intelligence as a geometric mean of the cumulative meaning. The thesis of the multiplicativity of meaning, its polymorphism is substantiated, and numerous examples from world history are provided. By analogy with classical thermodynamics, three laws of thermodynamics of meaning are postulated. Estimates of the cumulative meaning when the comprehension of information (multiplicative cascade) is a random process with given statistical characteristics are carried out.

Demystifying Thermodynamics by Connecting It With Mechanics

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Dartnall ◽  
John Reizes ◽  
Geoff Anstis
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Newtonian Mechanics ◽  
Empirical Relationships ◽  
Classical View ◽  
Classical Structure ◽  
Laws Of Thermodynamics ◽  
Mechanical Models ◽  
The Many ◽  
Classical Thermodynamics

The laws of thermodynamics provide an adequate basis for the development of classical thermodynamics and for the many empirical relationships used by mechanical and chemical engineers. The laws evolved before the advent of the computer with its ability to handle complex simulations. This led to the classical structure that did not require a molecular view of matter. The concept of entropy grew out of this classical view but, has unfortunately earned a reputation for being something mysterious and difficult. Statistical mechanics, much of which is based on Newtonian mechanics, has the power to remove the mystery. But, because of its mathematical complexity, it has rarely been used by engineers either to clarify understanding or to analyze processes and models. We propose, illustrating with examples, that simple Newtonian mechanical models can be used in place of statistical mechanics — at least for the teaching of concepts. Surprisingly, the models developed using Newton’s three Laws allow the development of the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics and the processes by which equilibrium is reached. We believe that in teaching thermodynamics the links with Newtonian mechanics would best be established by the proposed simple methods because of the resulting enlivening of Newtonian mechanics and the enhanced understanding of the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics.

Should Engineering Thermodynamics Include a Simplified Treatment of Its Underlying Molecular Basis?

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Dartnall ◽  
John Reizes ◽  
Geoff Anstis
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Hard Spheres ◽  
Mechanistic Explanation ◽  
Carnot Cycle ◽  
Undergraduate Level ◽  
State Laws ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Laws Of Thermodynamics ◽  
Classical Thermodynamics

Engineering Thermodynamics is commonly treated at undergraduate level as “classical thermodynamics and its applications”. Recent publications, using one dimensional simulations employing hard spheres have proposed ways to obtain the laws of thermodynamics. These models help to explain the state laws, the limitation of the Carnot cycle relationship as well as difficult concepts like entropy. The models, although deterministic, are able to demonstrate the probabilistic behaviour, normally explained by the mathematically sophisticated derivations of Statistical Mechanics. Is it time to include a simplified, mechanistic explanation of Engineering Thermodynamics by deriving it from its molecular basis?

An axiomatic approach to classical thermodynamics

1972 ◽  
Vol 329 (1576) ◽  
pp. 35-70 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Axiomatic Approach ◽  
Absolute Temperature ◽  
Differential Geometry And Topology ◽  
Original Formulation ◽  
Global Context ◽  
Specific Heats ◽  
And Topology ◽  
Laws Of Thermodynamics ◽  
Classical Thermodynamics ◽  
Local Results

Carathéodory’s formulation of classical thermodynamics is cast into a mathematically rigorous form, in which such well-known results as the existence of entropy and of (positive) absolute temperature, the principle of increase of entropy and the positivity of isometric specific heats are shown to follow logically from a set of postulates closely related to the traditional laws of thermodynamics and more economical than those of the original formulation. The basic tools are differential geometry and topology, the latter being needed in order to eliminate those flaws in the old arguments that arise from the erroneous application of local results in a global context.

COMPARISON OF PARTITION COEFFICIENTS FOR 54Mn AND SOIL-EXTRACTABLE Mn, INCLUDING RELATIONSHIP TO PLANT UPTAKE

1989 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. SHEPPARD ◽  
W. G. EVENDEN
Keyword(s):  
Plant Uptake ◽  
Partition Coefficients ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Stochastic Modelling ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Statistical Characteristics ◽  
Single Measurement ◽  
Frequency Distributions

The objective of this study was to compare the values, statistical characteristics and relationships of partition coefficients (Kd) computed from a short-term study of 54Mn sorption with those computed from DTPA extractions of soil Mn. Of particular interest were the frequency distributions, which must be very well known for use in stochastic modelling of environmental impacts. The study used 69 soils. Sorption of 54Mn, applied with stable 54Mn carrier, was measured after 24 h equilibration in suspension. The Kd for 54Mn was based on the single measurement of 54Mn in solution. Total soil Mn and DTPA + NaHCO3-extractable Mn were also measured and used to compute a Kd from two measurements. The frequency distributions of Kd values measured by either method were strongly skewed and conformed to lognormal, regardless of the statistical properties of the underlying measurements. The geometric mean Kd for 54Mn was 44 L kg−1 and was highest for high pH, high clay content and high organic matter content soils, as expected. The geometric mean Kd for DTPA-extractable Mn was 1070 L kg−1 and was not related in the same way to the soil properties. Clearly, the two Kd measurements were quite different. A significant correlation (r = 0.54, P < 0.001) between the Kd for 54Mn and plant Mn concentrations confirmed that this relationship is useful for modelling applications. The sorption of 54Mn was the best single measurement to predict the plant-availability of soil Mn, determined in a previous study. However, in concert with pH and clay content data, the DTPA + NaHCO3-extractable Mn gave the best correlation to plant uptake. Key words: Kd, frequency distribution, radionuclides, soil test, isotopic exchange

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