title: Superstatistical distributions from a maximum entropy principle.
abstract: We deal with a generalized statistical description of nonequilibrium complex systems based on least biased distributions given some prior information. A maximum entropy principle is introduced that allows for the determination of the distribution of the fluctuating intensive parameter beta of a superstatistical system, given certain constraints on the complex system under consideration. We apply the theory to three examples: the superstatistical quantum-mechanical harmonic oscillator, the superstatistical classical ideal gas, and velocity time series as measured in a turbulent Taylor-Couette flow.
authors.affiliation: School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom. e.straeten@qmul.ac.uk
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van der Straeten
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beck