Differential Geometry and Macroscopic Descriptions in Nonequilibrium Process

Abstract

The method of Riemannian geometry is fruitful in equilibrium thermodynamics. From the theory of fluctuations it has been possible to construct a metric for the space of thermodynamic equilibrium states. Inspired by these geometric elements, we will discuss the geometric-differential approach of nonequilibrium systems. In particular we will study the geometric aspects from the knowledge of the macroscopic potential associated with the Uhlenbeck-Ornstein (UO) nonequilibrium process. Assuming the geodesic curve as an optimal path and using the affine connection, known as α -connection, we will study the conditions under which a diffusive process can be considered optimal. We will also analyze the impact of this behavior on the entropy of the system, relating these results with studies of instabilities in diffusive processes.