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Classical van der Waals heat flow between oscillators and between half-spaces.
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QH, UK.
Summary
Steady-state heat flow between two classical harmonic oscillators depends on correlations between their normal modes, not just average temperature. Theories require specifying temperature enforcement mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Statistical Mechanics
- Quantum Optics
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- Classical harmonic oscillators are fundamental systems in physics.
- Understanding heat flow between systems is crucial for thermodynamics.
- Previous models often simplified temperature enforcement mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the steady-state heat flow between two classical harmonic oscillators at different temperatures.
- To analyze the role of normal mode correlations in governing heat flow.
- To explore implications for heat flow calculations between macroscopic bodies.
Main Methods:
- Modeling two dynamically identical, damped classical harmonic oscillators.
- Applying Langevin forces corresponding to distinct temperatures T1 and T2.
- Analyzing the system's normal modes and their correlations.
- Calculating steady-state heat flow (P) and relating it to heat flow per unit area.
Main Results:
- Individual normal modes appear to equilibrate at the average temperature (T1 + T2)/2.
- System-wide correlations between modes are the critical factor determining heat flow (P).
- Derived classical heat flow per unit area for Drude-modelled half-spaces.
Conclusions:
- Steady-state heat flow is governed by inter-mode correlations, not just average temperature.
- Theories for non-equilibrium systems must explicitly define temperature enforcement mechanisms.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering system-specific details beyond simple temperature averages.
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