Thermodynamic Merger of Fluctuation Theorem and Principle of Least Action: Case of Rayleigh–Taylor Instability

Abstract

Abstract Entropy fluctuations with time occur in finite-sized time-evolving dissipative systems. There is a need to comprehend the role of these fluctuations on the fluctuations-averaged entropy generation rate, over a large enough observation time interval. In this non-equilibrium thermodynamic investigation, the Fluctuation Theorem (FT) and Principle of Least Action are re-visited to articulate their implications for dissipative systems. The Principle of Maximum Entropy Production (MaxEP: the entropy generation rate of a dissipative system is maximized by paths of least action) is conceptually identified as the Principle of Least Action for dissipative systems. A Thermodynamic Fusion Theorem that merges the FT and the MaxEP is introduced for addressing the role of fluctuations in entropy production. It identifies “entropy fluctuations” as the “least-action path” for maximizing the time-averaged entropy production in a dissipative system. The validity of this introduced theorem is demonstrated for the case of entropy fluctuations in Rayleigh–Taylor flow instability.