Non-equilibrium thermodynamics
Entropy production is a measure of the rate at which disorder increases in a system. In a system that is not in thermal equilibrium, entropy production is always positive, meaning that the system is becoming more disordered over time. Irreversible processes are processes that cannot be reversed, meaning that they lead to a permanent change in the system. Dissipative structures are complex systems that are able to maintain their organization and structure, despite the constant flow of energy and matter through them.