Master equation derivation of Keizerrsquo;s theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics with critical fluctuations

摘要

A master equation derivation of Keizerrsquo;s theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics is presented. It reduces the number of independent postulates in Keizerrsquo;s theory from three to one, clarifies delicate questions regarding rsquo;rsquo;scalingrsquo;rsquo;, and extends Keizerrsquo;s theory to include fluctuations at a critical point. The critical fluctuations are not Gaussian, like the noncritical fluctuations, but still possess a universal character exhibited in a distribution function which is the exponential of a quartic form. Both Fokkerndash;Planck and nonlinear Langevin formulations are utilized.