2009/05/31 by Sergey G. Abaimov, Abaimov, S. G. · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics #FOS: Physical sciences #Statistical Mechanics (cond-mat.stat-mech) #Statistical Mechanics and Entropy #Theoretical and Computational Physics
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.0906.0190
openalex publication_date 2009/05/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In this paper we develop a general formalism of a path approach for non-equilibrium statistical mechanics. Firstly, we consider the classical Gibbs approach for states and find that this formalism is ineffective for non-equilibrium phenomena because it is based on a distribution of probabilities indirectly. Secondly, we develop a path formalism which is directly based on the distribution of probabilities and therefore significantly simplifies the analytical approach. The new formalism requires generalizing the 'static', state quantities of a system, like entropy or free energy potential, to their path analogues. Also we obtain a path balance equation and an equation of equilibrium path. For the distribution of probabilities we obtain a functional dependence similar to the Feynman's path integral formalism of action, only now the role of a Hamiltonian is played by the state entropy. For the production of the state free energy we illustrate a significant dependence on the type of system's connectivity.