  Steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamics, or SEAQT, is a unified
approach of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics that avoids many of the
inconsistencies that can arise between the two theories. Given a set of energy
levels, i.e., energy eigenstructure, accessible to a given physical system,
SEAQT predicts the unique kinetic path from any initial non-equilibrium state
to stable equilibrium by solving a master equation that directs the system
along the path of steepest entropy ascent. There are no intrinsic limitations
on the length and time scales the method can treat so it is well-suited for
calculations where the dynamics over multiple spacial scales need to be taken
into account within a single framework. In this paper, the theoretical
framework and its advantages are described, and several applications are
presented to illustrate the use of the SEAQT equation of motion and the
construction of a simplified, reduced-order, energy eigenstructure.
