Steady state of a dissipative flow-controlled system and the maximum entropy production principle.
A theory to predict the steady-state position of a dissipative flow-controlled system, as defined by a control volume, is developed based on the maximum entropy principle of Jaynes, involving minimization of a generalized free-energy-like potential. The analysis provides a theoretical justification of a local, conditional form of the maximum entropy production principle, which successfully predicts the observable properties of many such systems. The analysis reveals a very different manifestation of the second law of thermodynamics in steady-state flow systems, which provides a driving force for the formation of complex systems, including life.
School of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of New South Wales at ADFA, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600, Australia. r.niven@adfa.edu.au
Robert K
RK
Niven