Thermodynamics superposition mechanisms

Metal corrosion is a superposition of metal dissolution or the formation of solid corrosion products and a compensating cathodic reaction. Both processes have their own thermodynamic data and kinetics including a possible transport control. Furthermore, metals are generally not chemically and physically homogeneous so that localized corrosion phenomena, local elements, mechanical stress, surface layers, etc. may play a decisive role. Therefore, one approach is the detailed analysis of all contributing reactions and their mechanisms, which however does not always give a conclusive answer for an existing corrosion in practice. 

In order to place our theoretical framework in the most general position with respect to our contradiction, i.e. positing irreversible thermodynamics versus reversible dynamics, we need to direct our focus towards a relativistically invariant (or covariant in the general case) theory. It would perhaps be more pertinent to use the word consistent, since our more general complex symmetric framework, allows broken symmetry solutions, while relevant symmetries are properly embedded if necessary. In a previous communication [12], see also [25], we have derived a Global Superposition Principle that applies to both classical and quantum mechanical interpretations. 

Depending on the nature of the class, the instructor may wish to spend more time with the basics, such as the mass balance concept, chemical equilibria, and simple transport scenarios more advanced material, such as transient well dynamics, superposition, temperature dependencies, activity coefficients, the thermodynamics of redox reactions, and Monod kinetics, may be omitted. Similarly, by excluding Chapter 4, an instructor can use the text for a course focused only on the water environment. In the case of a more advanced class, the instructor is encomaged to expand on the material suggested additions include more rigorous derivation of the transport equations, discussions of chemical reaction mechanisms, introduction of quantitative models for atmospheric chemical transformations, use of computer software for more complex chemical equilibrium problems and groundwater transport simulations, and inclusion of case studies. References are provided with each chapter to assist the more advanced student in seeking additional material. 

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