Stepwise Approximation of Functions and Intermediate Equilibria in Thermodynamics
摘要
An analogy has been considered between the problems of approximation of functions by piecewise constant functions and the problems arising in thermodynamics when intermediate equilibrium states in irreversible processes are used. Conditions have been obtained for the optimum selection of boundaries of constancy portions for different statements of such problems. A solution has been obtained to the problem of cooling with intermediate equilibria and it has been shown that the problem on selection of the number and arrangement of plates in a rectifying column is also the problem on intermediate equilibria.