“Maximum” entropy production in self-organized plasma boundary layer: A thermodynamic discussion about turbulent heat transport

A thermodynamic model of a plasma boundary layer, characterized by enhanced temperature contrasts and “maximum entropy production,” is proposed. The system shows bifurcation if the heat flux entering through the inner boundary exceeds a critical value. The state with a larger temperature contrast (larger entropy production) sustains a self-organized flow. An inverse cascade of energy is proposed as the underlying physical mechanism for the realization of such a heat engine.