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Stochastic order parameter dynamics for phase coexistence in heat conduction
Shin-Ichi Sasa1, Naoko Nakagawa2, Masato Itami3
1Department of Physics, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
Physical Review. E
|July 17, 2021
Summary
We developed a model for phase coexistence in steady heat conduction. This model predicts interface temperatures deviating from equilibrium, showing superheated ordered or supercooled disordered states near the interface.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Phase coexistence is crucial for understanding material properties.
- Nonequilibrium steady states present challenges for traditional thermodynamics.
- Previous work suggested deviations from equilibrium transition temperatures in heat conduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a stochastic order parameter model for phase coexistence in steady heat conduction.
- To derive a variational principle for nonequilibrium steady states.
- To investigate interface temperature behavior and its relation to thermal conductivity.
Main Methods:
- Stochastic order parameter modeling.
- Analysis of stochastic dynamics with a nonequilibrium adiabatic boundary condition.
- Derivation of a variational principle for thermodynamic properties.
Main Results:
- A variational principle was derived for nonequilibrium steady states.
- Interface temperature depends on the relative thermal conductivity of ordered and disordered regions.
- Superheated ordered and supercooled disordered states were predicted near the interface.
Conclusions:
- The proposed model successfully describes phase coexistence in steady heat conduction.
- The findings support extended thermodynamics frameworks for nonequilibrium systems.
- The study highlights the emergence of metastable states in driven systems.
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