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Updated: May 7, 2026
11:03
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Published on: December 4, 2017
Relationship between dynamical entropy and energy dissipation far from thermodynamic equilibrium
Jason R Green1, Anthony B Costa, Bartosz A Grzybowski
1Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125.
Summary
This study links microscopic dynamics to macroscopic heat dissipation in nonequilibrium systems. We show system entropy quantifies energy dissipation, revealing a linear relationship between entropy change and heat flow.
Area of Science:
- Statistical Physics
- Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics
- Dynamical Systems Theory
Background:
- Long-standing pursuit of connections between microscopic dynamics and macroscopic properties in statistical physics.
- Understanding energy dissipation in nonequilibrium (NE) systems is crucial for thermodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Establish a quantitative relationship between Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy and heat energy dissipated in NE systems.
- Characterize the role of system entropy in governing energy dissipation dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Computational simulations of nonequilibrium systems.
- Analysis of microscopic dynamical observables.
- Separation of Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy into system and bath components.
Main Results:
- Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy can be decomposed into system and bath contributions.
- System entropy directly characterizes the dynamics of energy dissipation.
- A linear relationship exists between the average change in system entropy and average energy dissipated to the bath.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a direct link between microscopic dynamical variables and macroscopic energetics of NE processes.
- The findings offer insights into the fundamental nature of entropy and energy flow in nonequilibrium systems.
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