Abstract
Demonstrating how microscopic dynamics cause large systems to approach thermal equilibrium remains an elusive, longstanding, and actively pursued goal of statistical mechanics. We identify here a dynamical mechanism for thermalization in a general class of two-component dynamical Lorentz gases and prove that each component, even when maintained in a nonequilibrium state itself, can drive the other to a thermal state with a well-defined effective temperature.
Recommended Citation
S. De Bievre et al., "Dynamical Mechanisms Leading to Equilibration in Two-component Gases," Physical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics, vol. 93, no. 5, pp. 050103-1 - 050103-5, American Physical Society (APS), May 2016.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.93.050103
Department(s)
Physics
Keywords and Phrases
Condensed matter physics; Physics; Dynamical mechanisms; Effective temperature; General class; Microscopic dynamics; Nonequilibrium state; Thermal equilibriums; Thermal state; Thermalization; Statistical mechanics
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1539-3755
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2016 American Physical Society (APS), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 May 2016
