Statistical mechanical theory for nonequilibrium systems. X. Nonequilibrium phase transitions

摘要

A general theory for the stability and coexistence of nonequilibrium phases is formulated. An integral formulation of the second entropy is given, the functional maximization of which yields nonlinear hydrodynamics. Rayleigh–Benard convection is analyzed, and analytic approximations are obtained for the second entropy for conduction and for convection. Despite the simplicity of the model, coexistence is predicted for a Rayleigh number within 5% of the known value.