On the definition of entropy for non-equilibrium states

Abstract

In this paper it is demonstrated how the mathematical theory of stability of motion can be applied to kinetic equations, describing irreversible processes in an isolated, homogeneous system. It turns out that functions having all the properties of entropy exist throughout the domain of definition of the kinetic equations. Since the kinetic equations depend only on variables defined outside equilibrium thermodynamics, it is possible to define entropy far beyond the range of validity of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. It is shown that the commonly assumed properties of entropy are not sufficient, however, to single out just one entropy function.