On entropy production in nonequilibrium systems

TL;DR

This paper examines the Schnakenberg formula for entropy production in non-equilibrium systems, proving it provides only a lower bound to the true entropy production in the environment, supported by a three-state clock model example.

Contribution

It clarifies the interpretation of the Schnakenberg formula, showing it underestimates actual entropy production in the environment of non-equilibrium systems.

Findings

Schnakenberg formula gives a lower bound to environmental entropy production

The bound is demonstrated in a three-state clock model

The analysis considers the system as part of a larger isolated environment

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the meaning of the Schnakenberg formula for entropy production in non-equilibrium systems. To this end we consider a non-equilibrium system as part of a larger isolated system which includes the environment. We prove that the Schnakenberg formula provides only a lower bound to the actual entropy production in the environment. This is also demonstrated in the simplest example of a three-state clock model.