Thermodynamics and Relativistic Aspects of Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the theory of heat flow, entropy, and energy exchange. Although it was born as an applied discipline, it has evolved as one of the most fundamental theories of science, setting fundamental limits to what is possible and what is not, and establishing most of the tools for modern information theory. Indeed, according to Albert Einstein, “Thermodynamics is the only physical theory of universal content concerning which I am convinced that, within the framework of the applicability of its basic concepts, it will never be overthrown.”

Several problems and avenues for research arise when one tries to combine standard nineteenth-century thermodynamics with general relativity, where typical interactions are long-range and systems are never really isolated. The study of such problems has already contributed to enriching both theories and our understanding of the universe, as is the case, for instance, with black hole thermodynamics and the related Bekenstein bound. Nevertheless, many issues are still unsolved.