Non-equilibrium Framework Applicable at all Spatial and Temporal Scales Using Steepest-entropy-ascent Quantum Thermodynamics

Steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamics (SEAQT) is a novel non-equilibrium firstprinciples thermodynamic-ensemble based framework, which has successfully been applied to a variety of systems from quantum spin systems to mesoscopic solid oxide fuel cell systems to macroscopic systems. Based on recent developments by the authors, this framework has become an approach applicable to the study of non-equilibrium phenomena across all temporal and spatial scales. This paper provides an overview of some of the key theoretical aspects of this framework developed by the authors including the density of states method, which effectively extends the framework to infinite-dimensional state spaces, and the concepts of hypo-equilibrium state and nonequilibrium intensive properties, which lead to a fundamental generalization of the stable equilibrium framework to the non-equilibrium realm even that far from equilibrium. © 2016, Dalian University of Technology. All rights reserved