Browsing by Author "Cordaro, Enrique G."

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    Analytical relation between b-value and electromagnetic signals in pre-macroscopic failure of rocks: insights into the microdynamics' physics prior to earthquakes
    (2023) Venegas Aravena, Patricio; Cordaro, Enrique G.; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Departamento de Ingeniería Estructural y Geotécnica, Escuela de Ingeniería
    Field measurements in subduction regions have revealed the presence of non-seismic pre-earthquake signals such as electromagnetic or acoustic emission, gas liberation, changes in Earth's surface temperature, changes at the ionospheric level, or fluid migration. These signals are commonly associated with impending earthquakes, even though they often rely solely on temporal and spatial correlations in impending earthquake zones without a comprehensive understanding of the underlying lithospheric processes. For example, one criticism is the measurement of increasing electromagnetic signals even in the absence of observable macroscopic stress changes, which challenges the conventional understanding that macroscopic stress changes are the primary energy source for non-seismic pre-earthquake signals. To address this gap, rock experiments provide valuable insights. Recent experiments have shown that rocks can become electrified under constant macroscopic stress changes, accompanied by a decrease in the b-value, indicating multiscale cracking. This suggests the existence of small-scale dynamics that generate electromagnetic signals independently of large-scale stress variations. In that sense, multiscale thermodynamics offers a valuable perspective in describing this multiscale phenomenon. That is why the main goal of this work is to demonstrate that the electromagnetic signals before macroscopic failures are not independent of the cracking generation because the origin of both phenomena is the same. In particular, we present analytical equations that explain the physical connection between multiscale cracking, the generation of electromagnetic signals, and its negative correlation with acoustic emission before the macroscopic failure of rocks even when the macroscopic load is constant. In addition, we also show that the thermodynamic fractal dimension, which corresponds to the global parameter that controls the cracking process, is proportional to the b-value when the large-scale crack generation is considerably larger than the small-scale cracks. Thus, the decreases in the b-value and the increases in the electromagnetic signals indicate that rocks irreversibly prepare to release energy macroscopically. These findings could be related to the dynamics at lithospheric scales before earthquakes.
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    Natural Fractals as Irreversible Disorder: Entropy Approach from Cracks in the Semi Brittle-Ductile Lithosphere and Generalization
    (2022) Venegas Aravena, Patricio; Cordaro, Enrique G.; Laroze, David
    The seismo-electromagnetic theory describes the growth of fractally distributed cracks within the lithosphere that generate the emission of magnetic anomalies prior to large earthquakes. One of the main physical properties of this theory is their consistency regarding the second law of thermodynamics. That is, the crack generation of the lithosphere corresponds to the manifestation of an irreversible process evolving from one steady state to another. Nevertheless, there is still not a proper thermodynamic description of lithospheric crack generation. That is why this work presents the derivation of the entropy changes generated by the lithospheric cracking. It is found that the growth of the fractal cracks increases the entropy prior impending earthquakes. As fractality is observed across different topics, our results are generalized by using the Onsager’s coefficient for any system characterized by fractal volumes. It is found that the growth of fractality in nature corresponds to an irreversible process.
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    On the limits of knowledge and the evolution of the physical laws in non-Euclidean universes
    (2025) Venegas Aravena, Patricio; Cordaro, Enrique G.
    The anthropic principle suggests that the universe's fundamental constants are precisely fine-tuned to allow for life. However, by incorporating a dynamic physical perspective of nature, such as the multiscale thermodynamic principle known as Principium Luxuriæ, it is found that fundamental constants and forces of the universe may evolve over time in a non-Euclidean universe. If the universe has this geometry, it would have profound implications, which are discussed in this paper. For example, that the conditions conducive to life are not static and finely tuned but rather transient, undermining the need for a fine-tuned universe. Given that multiscale thermodynamics requires external forces, it's plausible that the universe's expansion could be linked to the existence of other phenomena such as other universes acting as external forces, each with their own evolving laws of physics. This suggests that life might be a transient and coincidental occurrence across multiple universes, if they exist. Additionally, the ever-evolving physical laws limit our ability to fully comprehend the universe at any given time. As we inevitably overlook certain aspects of reality, physical systems cannot be fully explained by the sum of their parts. Consequently, emergent phenomena like consciousness could not be studied from a self-referential perspective, as there will always be elements beyond our understanding.
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    Subduction as a Smoothing Machine: How Multiscale Dissipation Relates Precursor Signals to Fault Geometry
    (2023) Venegas Aravena, Patricio; Cordaro, Enrique G.
    Understanding the process of earthquake preparation is of utmost importance in mitigating the potential damage caused by seismic events. That is why the study of seismic precursors is fundamental. However, the community studying non-seismic precursors relies on measurements, methods, and theories that lack a causal relationship with the earthquakes they claim to predict, generating skepticism among classical seismologists. Nonetheless, in recent years, a group has emerged that seeks to bridge the gap between these communities by applying fundamental laws of physics, such as the application of the second law of thermodynamics in multiscale systems. These systems, characterized by describing irreversible processes, are described by a global parameter called thermodynamic fractal dimension, denoted as D. A decrease in D indicates that the system starts seeking to release excess energy on a macroscopic scale, increasing entropy. It has been found that the decrease in D prior to major earthquakes is related to the increase in the size of microcracks and the emission of electromagnetic signals in localized zones, as well as the decrease in the ratio of large to small earthquakes known as the b-value. However, it is still necessary to elucidate how D, which is also associated with the roughness of surfaces, relates to other rupture parameters such as residual energy, magnitude, or fracture energy. Hence, this work establishes analytical relationships among them. Particularly, it is found that larger magnitude earthquakes with higher residual energy are associated with smoother faults. This indicates that the pre-seismic processes, which give rise to both seismic and non-seismic precursor signals, must also be accompanied by changes in the geometric properties of faults. Therefore, it can be concluded that all types of precursors (seismic or non-seismic), changes in fault smoothness, and the occurrence of earthquakes are different manifestations of the same multiscale dissipative system.
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    The Multiscale Principle in Nature (Principium luxuriæ): Linking Multiscale Thermodynamics to Living and Non-Living Complex Systems
    (2024) Venegas Aravena, Patricio; Cordaro, Enrique G.
    Why do fractals appear in so many domains of science? What is the physical principle that generates them? While it is true that fractals naturally appear in many physical systems, it has so far been impossible to derive them from first physical principles. However, a proposed interpretation could shed light on the inherent principle behind the creation of fractals. This is the multiscale thermodynamic perspective, which states that an increase in external energy could initiate energy transport mechanisms that facilitate the dissipation or release of excess energy at different scales. Within this framework, it is revealed that power law patterns, and to a lesser extent, fractals, can emerge as a geometric manifestation to dissipate energy in response to external forces. In this context, the exponent of these power law patterns (thermodynamic fractal dimension 𝐷 ) serves as an indicator of the balance between entropy production at small and large scales. Thus, when a system is more efficient at releasing excess energy at the microscopic (macroscopic) level, 𝐷 tends to increase (decrease). While this principle, known as Principium luxuriæ, may sound promising for describing both multiscale and complex systems, there is still uncertainty about its true applicability. Thus, this work explores different physical, astrophysical, sociological, and biological systems to attempt to describe and interpret them through the lens of the Principium luxuriæ. The analyzed physical systems correspond to emergent behaviors, chaos theory, and turbulence. To a lesser extent, the cosmic evolution of the universe and geomorphology are examined. Biological systems such as the geometry of human organs, aging, human brain development and cognition, moral evolution, Natural Selection, and biological death are also analyzed. It is found that these systems can be reinterpreted and described through the thermodynamic fractal dimension. Therefore, it is proposed that the physical principle that could be behind the creation of fractals is the Principium luxuriæ, which can be defined as “Systems that interact with each other can trigger responses at multiple scales as a manner to dissipate the excess energy that comes from this interaction”. That is why this framework has the potential to uncover new discoveries in various fields. For example, it is suggested that the reduction in 𝐷 in the universe could generate emergent behavior and the proliferation of complexity in numerous fields or the reinterpretation of Natural Selection.
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    The Nath-Luxuriæ principles: Unified thermodynamic framework for molecular assembly and non-ergodicity via ATP synthesis/hydrolysis example
    (2025) Venegas Aravena, Patricio; Cordaro, Enrique G.
    Nath's principle posits that the maximization of free energy dissipation () under specific constraints facilitates the function and assembly of complex organic molecules under specific constraints, challenging the classical view that increased dissipation leads to disorder. To ground this principle in thermodynamics, this study establishes a connection between Nath's principle and a principle applicable beyond biological systems: the Principium Luxuriæ. The latter describes how multiscale systems dissipate energy in response to external forces. The conceptual equivalence of both principles is demonstrated, supporting Nath's unified theory of ATP synthesis/hydrolysis and the existence of non-equilibrium mechanisms for cellular energy dissipation, conservation, and storage. This connection is reinforced by a mathematical relationship demonstrating a negative correlation between and the thermodynamic fractal dimension (), a parameter quantifying multiscale dissipation in the Principium Luxuriæ. Furthermore, a relationship is established between the equations governing homeostasis and free energy. Given that the multiscale description is predicated on constraints imposed by external forces, which limit possible molecular configurations, the non-ergodic nature of biological systems described by Nath's principle is validated. A comparative analysis is conducted, contrasting these Nath-Luxuriæ principles with Prigogine's work (which describes ergodic systems) in their application to the thermodynamic evolution of biological systems and the constraints present on Earth for the formation of life. It is suggested that the Nath-Luxuriæ principles may significantly enhance the probability of assembling complex molecules necessary for life.