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The origins of Onsager's key role in the development of linear irreversible thermodynamics

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Abstract

Onsager discovered a deep underlying symmetry in the thermodynamic description of irreversible processes for which he was awarded the 1968 Nobel Prize in chemistry. After a brief sketch of irreversible thermodynamics and its history, this paper describes Onsager's path to his discovery. It is primarily based on an interview with Onsager a few months before his death, with some details from Onsager's Nobel address. When asked to rank his work, he placed this work at the top.

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  1. Chemistry and Materials Science, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 94550, Livermore, California

    Donald G. Miller

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Miller, D.G. The origins of Onsager's key role in the development of linear irreversible thermodynamics. J Stat Phys 78, 563–573 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02183365

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