The connection between endoreversible models of Finite-Time Thermodynamics and the corresponding real running irreversible processes is investigated by introducing two concepts which complement each other: Simulation and Reconstruction. In that context, the importance of particular machine diagrams for Simulation and (reconstruction) parameter diagrams for Reconstruction is emphasized. Additionally, the treatment of internal irreversibilities through the use of contact quantities like the contact temperature is introduced into the Finite-Time Thermodynamics description of thermal processes.
Keywords: contact temperature; endoreversible thermodynamics; entropy production; finite time thermodynamics; modeling; nonequilibrium thermodynamics; reconstruction; simulation.