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Strengthened second law for multi-dimensional systems coupled to multiple thermodynamic reservoirs
David H Wolpert1,2,3
1Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA.
This study introduces a strengthened second law (SSL) for complex systems. The SSL imposes tighter restrictions on entropy evolution in multi-dimensional systems with constrained dynamics, enhancing work extraction bounds.
Area of Science:
- Thermodynamics
- Complex Systems Theory
- Statistical Mechanics
Background:
- The second law of thermodynamics governs entropy increase in Markovian systems.
- Existing formulations may not fully capture the behavior of complex, multi-component systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formulate a strengthened second law (SSL) applicable to multi-dimensional complex systems.
- To explore the implications of constraints on system dynamics for thermodynamic laws.
- To investigate enhanced bounds on work extraction from complex systems.
Main Methods:
- Mathematical formulation of the second law for systems with constrained dynamics.
- Analysis of multi-dimensional systems coupled to multiple reservoirs.
- Application to systems with co-evolving subsystems.
Main Results:
- A strengthened second law (SSL) is derived for complex systems with constrained dynamics.
- The SSL applies even when subsystems evolve simultaneously.
- SSL strengthens bounds on work extraction via feedback control in multi-dimensional systems.
- The SSL does not require local detailed balance.
Conclusions:
- The strengthened second law provides a more restrictive thermodynamic principle for complex systems.
- This framework has broad applicability, including economics and biology.
- The findings offer new insights into emergent phenomena in diverse systems.
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