Thermodynamics of non-equilibrium phase transitions

by Dr Marc Suñé Simon (NORDITA)

Tuesday 12 May 2020, 13:30 → 14:30 Europe/Stockholm

Fysikum equipment

 THIS SEMINAR WAS ORGANIZED BY NORDITA SOFT MATTER

 

zoom link : available one hour before the seminar

 

Abstract: 

 

The equilibrium clock model consisting of a 2D lattice of discrete rotators exhibits three phases: a low-temperature ordered phase, a quasiliquid phase, and a high-temperature disordered phase, with two corresponding phase transitions. In the out-of-equilibrium model the simultaneous breaking of spatial symmetry and thermal equilibrium gives rise to directed rotation of the spin variables. In this regime the system behaves as a thermal machine converting heat currents into motion. In this talk I will present a study of the machine's response to the thermodynamic force driving it out of equilibrium when the disturbance is applied at the verge the equilibrium critical temperatures. Such analysis shows how critical fluctuations in a system of interacting motors can be exploited to enhance the machine overall dynamic and thermodynamic performances.