What is nonequilibrium?
Statistical Mechanics
2026-02-18 v2
Abstract
Lecture notes on elements of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics: (1) a characterization of the nonequilibrium condition, largely by contrast to equilibrium; (2) a retelling of some of the great performances of the more distant past, including the perspectives of Boltzmann and Onsager; and (3) more recent methods and concepts, from local detailed balance and the identification of entropy fluxes to dynamical fluctuation theory, and the importance of dynamical activity.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2601.16716,
title = {What is nonequilibrium?},
author = {Christian Maes},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2601.16716},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
About 100 pages of introduction to nonequilibrium stuff. Updates available via https://fys.kuleuven.be/english/staff/christ/onderwijs-teaching-material