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Kirchhoff's loop law and the maximum entropy production principle
Pasko Zupanović1, Davor Juretić, Srećko Botrić
1Faculty of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Education, University of Split, Teslina 12, 21000 Split, Croatia. pasko@pmfst.hr
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|December 17, 2004
Summary
Kirchhoff's loop law for electrical networks can be derived from the maximum entropy production principle. This principle explains how currents distribute to maximize entropy production in stationary, linear, planar electric networks at fixed temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Electrical Engineering
- Network Theory
Background:
- Standard derivation of Kirchhoff's loop law relies on electric potential.
- Understanding the fundamental principles governing current distribution in electrical networks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an alternative derivation of Kirchhoff's loop law.
- To explore the applicability of the maximum entropy production principle to electrical networks.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical derivation for linear planar electric networks.
- Analysis of stationary states at fixed temperatures.
Main Results:
- Kirchhoff's loop law can be derived from the maximum entropy production principle.
- Currents in network branches distribute to achieve maximum entropy production.
Conclusions:
- The maximum entropy production principle offers a novel perspective on Kirchhoff's loop law.
- This finding provides a deeper thermodynamic understanding of electrical network behavior.