The connection between dissipative chaos and nonequilibrium

Abstract

Strong nonequilibrium conditions often give rise to dissipative chaos. However, the underlying connection between dissipative chaos and nonequilibrium remains unclear. Herein, we study this connection from the framework of the nonequilibrium potential-flux landscape. The nonequilibrium system dynamics are determined in part by the potential landscape associated with the steady-state probability distribution. The other part of the driving force for nonequilibrium dynamics comes from the steady-state probability flow, leading to the breaking of detailed balance. We find that dissipative chaos is driven mainly by the nonequilibrium probability flow. Using the Lorenz strange attractor model, we quantitatively demonstrate the close connection between the kinematic measures of the appearance of dissipative chaos and the degree of nonequilibrium. This work reveals the dynamic and thermodynamic origins of dissipative chaos beyond the interpretation based on nonlinearity. This study also provides a new understanding of the phase transitions in nonequilibrium systems.