KES10-0079
Onsager Principle in Soft Matter Physics
Topic
S10. AI-assisted Design and Simulation of Polymers
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
10:50 - 11:15
Room 109
Session Chairs
June Huh
Presenter(s)
Masao Doi (Nagoya University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Onsager principle is the principle proposed by Lars Onsager in 1931 in his second paper on the reciprocal relation. The principle formed the core of the classical irreversible thermodynamics. It is particularly important in soft matter physics, since most phenomena taking place in soft matter obey this principle, and existing kinetic equations are derived from this principle. The principle is also useful as a tool for solving problems. Like Lagrangean in classical mechanics, it gives flexibility in choosing coordinate system, and helps up to derive governing equations to be solved. Furthermore, being a minimum principle, it provides various ways of finding the solution, i.e., the minimum. Here I review this important and useful principle from a practical view point emphasizing what it is, how it works and how to use it.
