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Updated: May 20, 2026
11:03
An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Proposed principles of maximum local entropy production
John Ross1, Alexandru D Corlan, Stefan C Müller
1Chemistry Department, Stanford University , Stanford, California, United States.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|July 4, 2012
Summary
The maximum local entropy production principle (MEPP) is flawed. This study demonstrates MEPP
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Complex Systems Analysis
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The maximum local entropy production principle (MEPP) is an optimization principle used to model complex systems.
- MEPP is applied when detailed structural information and measurements are lacking for systems like Earth's biosphere or atmosphere.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate claims advocating for the application of the maximum local entropy production principle (MEPP).
- To demonstrate the inaccuracies of MEPP using well-established chemical and physical systems.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of claims from prominent papers supporting MEPP.
- Application of simple examples from well-known chemical and physical systems to test MEPP predictions.
- Review of fundamental thermodynamic and classical physics principles.
Main Results:
- Claims advocating MEPP were found to be erroneous.
- Errors stem from ignoring established principles: entropy increase is not universal in non-isolated systems.
- MEPP fails to account for the deterministic nature of macroscopic systems and the need for probabilistic methods in prediction.
- No causal link exists between thermodynamic constraints and reaction kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Predictions derived from MEPP-like principles lack scientific foundation.
- The study highlights the importance of adhering to established thermodynamic and physical laws.
- MEPP is not a valid approach for understanding or predicting the behavior of complex systems.
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