Statistical mechanics of a nonequilibrium steady-state classical particle system driven by a constant external force

Abstract: A classical particle system coupled with a thermostat driven by an external constant force reaches its steady state when the ensemble-averaged drift velocity does not vary with time. The statistical mechanics of such a system is derived merely based on the equal probability and ergodicity principles, free from any conclusions drawn on equilibrium statistical mechanics or local equilibrium hypothesis. The momentum space distribution is determined by a random walk argument, and the position space distribution is determined by employing the equal probability and ergodicity principles. The expressions for energy, entropy, free energy, and pressures are then deduced, and the relation among external force, drift velocity, and temperature is also established. Moreover, the relaxation towards its equilibrium is found to be an exponentially decaying process obeying the minimum entropy production theorem.