A Thermodynamic Framework for Cosmic Expansion Based on Entropic Competition

The ΛCDM model has fit observations well; however, tensions are building. A major cause of this is thatthe acceleration of the universe lacks a clear physical origin. This concept note suggests a framework of entropiccompetition to provide that physical explanation for the acceleration and deceleration of the universe.In this framework, dispersion and clustering are competing entropy-producing channels. From this view, theframework also gives thermodynamic interpretations for inflation, time, and boundary conditions, all without modifyingthe Einstein-Friedmann equations.