Physics – Condensed Matter – Statistical Mechanics
Scientific paper
2007-08-22
J Stat Phys 130, 633-667 (2008).
Physics
Condensed Matter
Statistical Mechanics
39 pages, 3 figure
Scientific paper
10.1007/s10955-007-9471-1
We use the work done on and the heat removed from a system to maintain it in a nonequilibrium steady state for a thermodynamic-like description of such a system as well as of its fluctuations. Based on a generalized Onsager-Machlup theory for nonequilibrium steady states we indicate two ambiguities, not present in an equilibrium state, in defining such work and heat: one due to a non-uniqueness of time-reversal procedures and another due to multiple possibilities to separate heat into work and an energy difference in nonequilibrium steady states. As a consequence, for such systems, the work and heat satisfy multiple versions of the first and second laws of thermodynamics as well as of their fluctuation theorems. Unique laws and relations appear only to be obtainable for concretely defined systems, using physical arguments to choose the relevant physical quantities. This is illustrated on a number of systems, including a Brownian particle in an electric field, a driven torsion pendulum, electric circuits and an energy transfer driven by a temperature difference.
Cohen Ezechiel G. D.
Taniguchi Tooru
No associations
LandOfFree
Nonequilibrium steady state thermodynamics and fluctuations for stochastic systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Nonequilibrium steady state thermodynamics and fluctuations for stochastic systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nonequilibrium steady state thermodynamics and fluctuations for stochastic systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-135489