Resolution of Loschmidt's paradox: The origin of irreversible behavior in reversible atomistic dynamics

Journal Article · Mon Jul 06 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.59.10· OSTI ID:6459587

Holian, B L; Hoover, W G; Posch, H A

We show that Nosromane-bar mechanics provides a link between computer simulations of nonequilibrium processes and real-world experiments. Reversible Nose-bar equations of motion, when used to constrain non- equilibrium boundary regions, generate stable dissipative behavior within an adjoining bulk sample governed by Newton's equations of motion. Thus, irreversible behavior consistent with the second law of thermodynamics arises from completely reversible microscopic motion. Loschmidt's reversibility paradox is surmounted by this Nose-bar-Newton system, because the steady-state nonequilibrium probability density in the many-body phase space is confined to a zero-volume attractor.

• Research Organization: Theoretical Division, University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36; W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6459587
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 59:1; ISSN PRLTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

657000* -- Theoretical & Mathematical Physics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CLASSICAL MECHANICS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
IRREVERSIBLE PROCESSES
MATHEMATICAL SPACE
MECHANICS
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PHASE SPACE
SIMULATION
SPACE
THERMODYNAMICS