A thermodynamic Liapunov function for the near equilibrium CSTR

A thermodynamic framework within which Liapunov functions may be generated is described and a Liapunov function for the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with a steady state near equilibrium is constructed. The Liapunov function resembles the thermodynamic entropy production function and the asymptotic stability principle presented is reminiscent of the theorem of minimum entropy production. However, it is demonstrated that the theorem of minimum entropy production does not apply to the near equilibrium CSTR steady state due to the presence of convective material exchange between the CSTR system and its surroundings.