A proof of Clausius’ theorem for time reversible deterministic microscopic dynamics

Abstract

In 1854 Clausius proved the famous theorem that bears his name by assuming the second “law” of thermodynamics. In the present paper we give a proof that requires no such assumption. Our proof rests on the laws of mechanics, a T-mixing property, an ergodic consistency condition, and on the axiom of causality. Our result relies on some recently derived theorems, such as the Evans-Searles and the Crooks fluctuation theorems and the recently discovered relaxation and dissipation theorems.