Linking Microscopic Reversibility to Macroscopic Irreversibility, Emphasizing the Role of Deterministic Thermostats and Simple Examples, At and Away From Equilibrium

TL;DR

This paper explores how microscopic reversibility relates to macroscopic irreversibility, focusing on deterministic thermostats and simple models to understand the Loschmidt contradiction in thermodynamics.

Contribution

It provides insights into the connection between time-reversible microscopic laws and macroscopic irreversibility using deterministic thermostats and illustrative examples.

Findings

Clarifies the role of thermostats in irreversibility

Demonstrates simple models illustrating reversibility-irreversibility transition

Analyzes equilibrium and nonequilibrium scenarios

Abstract

Molecular Dynamics and Statistical Mechanics make possible a particle-based understanding of Thermodynamics and Hydrodynamics, including the fascinating Loschmidt contradiction between time-reversible atomistic mechanics and the time-irreversible thermodynamic dissipation incorporated into macroscopic fluid and solid mechanics.