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Stochastic control and the second law of thermodynamicsThe second law of thermodynamics is studied from the point of view of stochastic control theory. We find that the feedback control laws which are of interest are those which depend only on average values, and not on sample path behavior. We are lead to a criterion which, when satisfied, permits one to assign a temperature to a stochastic system in such a way as to have Carnot cycles be the optimal trajectories of optimal control problems. Entropy is also defined and we are able to prove an equipartition of energy theorem using this definition of temperature. Our formulation allows one to treat irreversibility in a quite natural and completely precise way.
Document ID
19790063981
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Brockett, R. W.
(Harvard University Cambridge, Mass., United States)
Willems, J. C.
(Groningen Rijksuniversiteit, Groningen, Netherlands)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Thermodynamics And Statistical Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: 1978 Conference on Decision and Control
Location: San Diego, CA
Start Date: January 10, 1979
End Date: January 12, 1979
Accession Number
79A47994
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DAAG29-76-C-0139
CONTRACT_GRANT: N00014-75-C-0648
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-2265
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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