The Lucky Engine: Probabilistic Emergence and Persistence of Near-Maximum Dissipation States

Area of Science:

• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
• Statistical mechanics
• Complex systems

Background:

• The principle of maximum entropy production (MaxEP) faces challenges in explaining real-world systems.
• Existing models struggle with physical constraints and system evolution dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To resolve difficulties with the MaxEP notion using a new paradigm.
• To explain system behavior under physical constraints and non-steady forcing.
• To provide a framework for understanding dissipation states in complex systems.

Main Methods:

• Introducing a paradigm where nonequilibrium systems utilize multiple transport modes.
• Analyzing how physical constraints limit accessible system states.
• Investigating the probability of observing systems near maximum entropy production.

Main Results:

• Physical constraints define the available transport modes, preventing impossible states.
• Systems are more likely to be observed near maximum entropy production due to a higher number of accessible microstates.
• The paradigm accommodates non-steady forcing and explains transitions between maximum and minimum dissipation states.

Conclusions:

• A multi-mode transport paradigm successfully addresses MaxEP challenges.
• This framework offers a more robust understanding of nonequilibrium systems and their emergent properties.
• It clarifies conditions under which systems reach maximum dissipation states.