In thermodynamics, Viacheslav Vladimirovich Sychev (c.1935-), cited as V.V. Sychev, known as "Vladimir Sychev", is a Russian scientist noted for his 1973 Complex Thermodynamic Systems, on equilibrium thermodynamics applied to complex systems, and for his 1981 Differential Equations of Thermodynamics, on the partial differential equations of thermodynamics of mathematical thermodynamics, in which he discusses the Pfaffian form, among other subjects [1] In the 1980s, Sychev also co-authored a number of other works such as the thermodynamic properties of nitrogen, of ethylene, and of butane, respectively.
Russian school
Sychev seems to be part of the Russian school of thermodynamics or what might be better categorized as the Russian school of complex systems thermodynamics or possibly hierarchical thermodynamics. On 2 Jan 2011, Russian physical chemist Georgi Gladyshev commented the following to American electrochemical engineer Libb Thims in the Hmolpedia forums: [2]
“You write at first on the classical free energy. This is enough for chemical simple systems and complex (*) chemical thermodynamic systems. However, in general case when we say on complex chemical thermodynamic systems and the systems of higher hierarchies we must say about free energy of complex systems (*), V. Sychev, G. Gladyshev, et al. I believe it will correct if you will write on this.”
On 10 Jan 2011, Gladyshev elaborated to Thims as follows: [3]
“Interactions and the behavior of humans can be described by the equations of complex system thermodynamics only. The human is not “a heat engine” or “steam engine”! I said this you many times in delicate form. I believe you must say on delta G*<0 ! In your Encyclopedia you present the opinions of different people. Many of them had no and have no any relation to professional physics, physical chemistry. Science is not decided by voices. Many of your articles in the Encyclopedia have only an interest to the history of human thoughts or the history of science. You have no general theory of your own. You discuss the meanings of some terms or of some words. By the way I would to say that your Human Chemistry (and the branches of human chemistry) is the component of hierarchical thermodynamics. I believe it is clear after reading of my books and textbooks of I. Bazarov, V. Sychev, R. Kubo, N. Bogolubov and others professional scientists. I think thermodynamics requires not only the knowledge of philosophy but the knowledge of mathematics at first. During some years I try little by little to correct your views, but it is in vain? However, I would like to hope you'll understand to me, and your Herculean efforts will be recognized by science. That's my opinion.”
Ecological thermodynamics
In 2012, American ecological thermodynamicist Jeff Tuhtanbegan studying what he calls “Sychev-complex systems” (systems in which more than expansion work is performed) to ecological systems, particularly the fish-river system. [4]
References
1. (a) Sychev, Vladimir V. (1973). Complex Thermodynamic Systems (Slozhnye Termodinamicheskie Sistemy). 1982, 3rd ed.Import Pubn.
(b) Sychev, Viacheslav. (1981). The Differential Equations of Thermodynamics. Taylor & Francis.
2. Gladyshev, Georgi. (2011). “Free Energy, Thermodynamics”, Hmolpedia forums, Jan 2.
3. Gladyshev, Georgi. (2011). “Science”, Hmolpedia forums, Jan 10.
4. Tuhtan, Jeff. (2012). “Human Thermodynamics”, Hmolpedia threads (#23), Jun 1.
