Maximization of entropy production during vibration in a suspension based on graphite and silicone oil.

The electrical conductivity of a suspension of graphite and silicone oil in the presence of a small electric potential difference and vibration (40÷50Hz) is considered. The concentration of the suspension was selected near the percolation threshold. It has been found that such a nonequilibrium system evolves to increase its dissipation power, and low-energy vibrations accelerate, and high-energy ones hinder this process. Since the dissipation power of the considered system is proportional to entropy production, the results obtained are consistent with the so-called maximum entropy production principle (MEPP). This is the first experimental confirmation of MEPP in the case of a nonequilibrium process with continuous transformations under conditions for the emergence of alternative variants for the development. The possibility of choice among alternatives in a complex system is a fundamental point in the experimental discussion of MEPP, and it was previously underestimated.