On the role of geometry in statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. II. Thermodynamic perspective

The General Equation for Non-Equilibrium Reversible-Irreversible Coupling (GENERIC) provides structure of mesoscopic multiscale dynamics that guarantees emergence equilibrium states. Similarly, a lift the GENERIC to iterated cotangent bundles, called rate GENERIC, vector fields generate approach equilibrium. Moreover, also extends Onsager's variational principle. MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) principle in becomes Onsager structure. In absence external forces, entropy is potential closely related production. presence forces when does not exist, still exists. While at conclusion time evolution gives rise thermodynamics, thermodynamics. Both and structures are put into geometrical framework first paper this series. shown be Grad's hierarchy analysis reductions Boltzmann equation. Chemical kinetics kinetic theory provide illustrative examples. We introduce extensions (and thus Onsager-variational-principle formulations) both chemical theory.