Non Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the application of Non Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics, particularly in relation to claims that Statistical Mechanics is limited to equilibrium situations. Participants explore the validity of this claim and the implications for statistical mechanics techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that many statistical mechanics techniques assume equilibrium, suggesting that results derived from these techniques may not be applicable to non-equilibrium systems.
  • Others argue that the foundations of statistical mechanics do not inherently assume equilibrium, indicating that understanding equilibrium requires consideration of non-equilibrium states.
  • A participant mentions that there are methods developed specifically for non-equilibrium systems that do not rely on equilibrium assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of statistical mechanics to non-equilibrium situations, with some asserting limitations while others highlight the potential for non-equilibrium approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent of these claims.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of equilibrium and non-equilibrium states, as well as the specific conditions under which statistical mechanics techniques may or may not be valid.

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Comments please?
 
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Yep, you're right.
 
Thank you marcus!
 
Did you have a question?
 
It was claimed in another thread that Statistical Mechanics can only be applied to equilibrium situations.

Since that comment was a side issue to the thread I started this thread to provide a separate opportunity to discuss the claim.
 
Most stat-mech techniques assume equilibrium -- so if a system isn't in equilibrium, then those results will most likely be incorrect.

Separately there are many people who try and solve systems outside of equilibrium, since the methods they employ don't require equilibrium they can be applied to non-equilibrium systems.
 
Indeed. The foundations of statistical mechanics do not assume equilibrium, otherwise you could not even develop a theory for equilibrium. Simply formulating what equilibrium is supposed to mean requires one to consider general non-equilibrium states.
 

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