History Dependence in Thermodynamic Properties of Solids.

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Title: History Dependence in Thermodynamic Properties of Solids.
Authors: Shirai, Koun1,2 (AUTHOR) koun@sanken.osaka-u.ac.jp
Source: International Journal of Thermophysics. Jun2026, Vol. 47 Issue 6, p1-36. 36p.
Subjects: Thermodynamic state variables, Atomic structure, Activation energy, Metastable states, Thermodynamics, Solids, Amorphous substances, Hysteresis
Abstract: Glasses have long been considered nonequilibrium materials. The primary reason is their history-dependent properties: the observed properties are not uniquely determined by two state variables, temperature and volume, but are also affected by the process parameters such as the cooling rates. However, closer observations reveal that this history dependence is common in solids. The problem with the previous reasoning based on history dependence lies in the lack of effort to find a complete set of state variables that uniquely specifies the current properties, irrespective of past history. The guiding principle for identifying such variables is provided by the first law of thermodynamics, which requires that the internal energy U is a state function. The energy of a solid is determined by its detailed structure, including defect atoms. This obvious fact leads one to consider that the positions of all atoms comprising the solid are required to describe the energy. Although atom positions always fluctuate microscopically, their time averages are constant, which meets the requirement that state variables must be constant in time. Therefore, it is concluded that the complete set of equilibrium atom positions (the atom configuration), R ¯ j , constitutes the required set of state variables for a solid. In this manner, contrary to the traditional view, hysteresis in solids can be described using standard thermodynamics methods through specifying the configuration, provided that the process is performed quasi-statically. The time constancy of R ¯ j is sustained by an energy barrier built around jth atom. The energy barrier determines the relaxation time. From this, it follows that every equilibrium state has a finite lifetime and that the notion of equilibrium of a material is always valid only within this timescale. Glasses, as well as defect states, are equilibrium states as long as their structure remains unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of International Journal of Thermophysics is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: History Dependence in Thermodynamic Properties of Solids.
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  Data: Glasses have long been considered nonequilibrium materials. The primary reason is their history-dependent properties: the observed properties are not uniquely determined by two state variables, temperature and volume, but are also affected by the process parameters such as the cooling rates. However, closer observations reveal that this history dependence is common in solids. The problem with the previous reasoning based on history dependence lies in the lack of effort to find a complete set of state variables that uniquely specifies the current properties, irrespective of past history. The guiding principle for identifying such variables is provided by the first law of thermodynamics, which requires that the internal energy U is a state function. The energy of a solid is determined by its detailed structure, including defect atoms. This obvious fact leads one to consider that the positions of all atoms comprising the solid are required to describe the energy. Although atom positions always fluctuate microscopically, their time averages are constant, which meets the requirement that state variables must be constant in time. Therefore, it is concluded that the complete set of equilibrium atom positions (the atom configuration), R ¯ j , constitutes the required set of state variables for a solid. In this manner, contrary to the traditional view, hysteresis in solids can be described using standard thermodynamics methods through specifying the configuration, provided that the process is performed quasi-statically. The time constancy of R ¯ j is sustained by an energy barrier built around jth atom. The energy barrier determines the relaxation time. From this, it follows that every equilibrium state has a finite lifetime and that the notion of equilibrium of a material is always valid only within this timescale. Glasses, as well as defect states, are equilibrium states as long as their structure remains unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of International Journal of Thermophysics is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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        Value: 10.1007/s10765-026-03763-1
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 36
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    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Thermodynamic state variables
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Atomic structure
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Activation energy
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Metastable states
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thermodynamics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Solids
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Amorphous substances
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Hysteresis
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      – TitleFull: History Dependence in Thermodynamic Properties of Solids.
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              M: 06
              Text: Jun2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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