Statistical Mechanics Seminar, D.Ruelle, "A mechanical model for Fourier's law for heat conduction"
Abstract: Nonequilibrium statistical mechanics close to equilibrium is a physically satisfactory theory centered on the linear response formula of Green-Kubo. This formula results from a formal first order perturbation calculation without rigorous justification. A rigorous derivation of Fourier's law for heat conduction from the laws of mechanics remains thus a major unsolved problem. In this note we present a deterministic mechanical model of a heat-conducting chain with nontrivial interactions, where kinetic energy fluctuations at the nodes of the chain are removed. In this model the derivation of Fourier's law can proceed rigorously.
Location: Fine 224
Date/Time: 11/09/11 at 2:00 pm - 11/09/11 at 3:30 pm
Category: Statistical Mechanics Seminar
Department: Physics