Properties of nonequilibrium steady states. A nonequilibrium steady state (NESS) occurs when work is performed on a system and the heat so generated is absorbed by a thermostatting mechanism. The system settles into steady state and its properties no longer change. Almost all experimental systems of interest are in a nonequilibrium state, so understanding NESSs is highly significant. Unlike time stationary equilibrium states, the distribution of microstates in a NESS cannot be described by simpl ....Properties of nonequilibrium steady states. A nonequilibrium steady state (NESS) occurs when work is performed on a system and the heat so generated is absorbed by a thermostatting mechanism. The system settles into steady state and its properties no longer change. Almost all experimental systems of interest are in a nonequilibrium state, so understanding NESSs is highly significant. Unlike time stationary equilibrium states, the distribution of microstates in a NESS cannot be described by simple closed form distributions. This project will determine properties, symmetries and extrema of NESS using concepts and theorems developed for studying transient nonequilibrium states, and will also determine if approximate, physically relevant forms of the phase space distributions can be developed.Read moreRead less
A Memory Powered Engine. Classical heat engines, such as petrol motors, convert thermal energy from hot gases into useful work, but with limited efficiency as much of the thermal energy is lost as waste heat. The project aims to combine experimental techniques in quantum information processing with recent theoretical developments in quantum thermodynamics to demonstrate a proof-of-concept heat engine that converts thermal energy into work with 100% efficiency. A heat engine of this kind would pr ....A Memory Powered Engine. Classical heat engines, such as petrol motors, convert thermal energy from hot gases into useful work, but with limited efficiency as much of the thermal energy is lost as waste heat. The project aims to combine experimental techniques in quantum information processing with recent theoretical developments in quantum thermodynamics to demonstrate a proof-of-concept heat engine that converts thermal energy into work with 100% efficiency. A heat engine of this kind would provide significant benefits to Australia with its potential to revolutionise how we store and use energy. The project will enable Griffith University to continue its pioneering role in developing this technology and to maintain long-term international collaborations.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL190100080
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$3,432,323.00
Summary
New frontiers for nonequilibrium systems. The universe is comprised of systems in states of change or responding to a driving force. Yet a fundamental understanding of these nonequilibrium systems that enables predictive design has eluded scientists to date. This program aims to develop ground-breaking principles and methodologies to predict properties of nonequilibrium systems using both statistical physics and molecular simulations. Significantly, by pioneering new theories and building Austra ....New frontiers for nonequilibrium systems. The universe is comprised of systems in states of change or responding to a driving force. Yet a fundamental understanding of these nonequilibrium systems that enables predictive design has eluded scientists to date. This program aims to develop ground-breaking principles and methodologies to predict properties of nonequilibrium systems using both statistical physics and molecular simulations. Significantly, by pioneering new theories and building Australian capacity in this area, we will be able to understand, control and utilise their distinctive behaviour in design. Expected outcomes and benefits are multi-dimensional, including breakthrough theory and new capability for high-end technologies such as nanofluidics, robotics and batteries.Read moreRead less
Lightweight battery with more yield than a tonne of coal. This project aims to develop a device that is capable of converting waste heat into useful energy. The project team’s recent breakthrough discovery of a new way to erase information is intended to allow the device to operate using a battery that contains low entropy rather than energy. A battery of this kind can, in principle, have yields that are many times higher than currently available energy sources. This project aims to design proof ....Lightweight battery with more yield than a tonne of coal. This project aims to develop a device that is capable of converting waste heat into useful energy. The project team’s recent breakthrough discovery of a new way to erase information is intended to allow the device to operate using a battery that contains low entropy rather than energy. A battery of this kind can, in principle, have yields that are many times higher than currently available energy sources. This project aims to design proof-of-principle demonstrations of the device and develop the supporting thermodynamical framework. The project aims to seed a new technology that has the potential to revolutionise the way energy is harnessed and used.Read moreRead less
Dissipation and relaxation in statistical mechanics. This project studies the mathematical conditions for relaxation either to equilibrium or to steady states, which is important in predicting behaviour in diverse fields including climate modelling, materials science, nanotechnology and biology. Early career researchers will be involved in the project, gaining valuable skills in theory and simulation.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100064
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
Optically controlled containers for experiments in soft matter. Nanotechnology has a promising future in the fabrication of small machines but exactly how these machines work is far less certain as they defy fundamental, classical thermodynamics. This equipment will allow Australian researchers to probe the energy dissipation of, and the work done by, small systems, including those of single molecules, colloidal crystals and membranes.