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A Boltzmann Equation Approach to the Dynamics of the Simple Piston

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Abstract

The evolution of a simple piston under a constant external force is investigated from a microscopic approach. Using Boltzmann's equation and simplifying assumptions it is shown that the system evolves towards equilibrium according to the macroscopic laws of thermodynamics: entropy production is positive and Onsager's relations are verified near equilibrium. Numerical simulations are presented which show that the evolution takes place in two stages: first a deterministic approach to the equilibrium position and then a stochastic motion around the equilibrium position. It also shows that the damping is not correctly described with these simplifying assumptions and a quantitative explanation of this effect remains an open problem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institut de Physique Théorique, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Christian Gruber

  2. School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Gary P. Morriss

Authors
  1. Christian Gruber
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  2. Gary P. Morriss
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Gruber, C., Morriss, G.P. A Boltzmann Equation Approach to the Dynamics of the Simple Piston. Journal of Statistical Physics 113, 297–333 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025735107599

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1025735107599

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