Dynamical ensembles in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics

Ruelle's principle for turbulence leading to what is usually called the Sinai-Ruelle-Bowen distribution (SRB) is applied to the statistical mechanics of many particle systems in nonequilibrium stationary states. A specific prediction, obtained without the need to construct explicitly the SRB itself, is shown to be in agreement with a recent computer experiment on a strongly sheared fluid. This presents the first test of the principle on a many particle system far from equilibrium. A possible application to fluid mechanics is also discussed