Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

Statistical mechanics provides a framework for relating the properties of macroscopic systems (large collections of atoms, such as in a solid) to the microscopic properties of its parts. However, what happens when macroscopic systems are not in thermal equilibrium, where time is not only a relevant variable, but also essential?

That is the province of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics – there are many ways for systems to be out of equilibrium! The subject is governed by fewer general prin...