Nonlinear heat equation and two-level diffusion (Q1853832)

The author studies the interaction between the diffusion of a Brownian particle which can occupy two energy levels, and the heat flow described by the Streater nonlinear heat equation is analysed [cf. \textit{R. F. Streater}, Rep. Math. Phys. 40, No. 3, 557--564 (1997; Zbl 0907.60094)]. Particularly, the Streater effect in which the potential energy of a particle is converted to heat due to friction is taken into account. It is shown that for such a continuum, the firs law of thermodynamics and the modified form of the second law hold true, while the Prigogine conjecture is not satisfied even in the approximation known from a one level diffusion. Also, the behaviour of a system in isothermal conditions beyond a detailed balance is considered.