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We introduce a finite volume scheme for multi-dimensional drift-diffusion equations. Such equations arise from the theory of semiconductors and are composed of two continuity equations coupled with a Poisson equation. In the case that the continuity equations are non degenerate, we prove the convergence of the scheme and then the existence of solutions to the problem. The key point of the proof relies on the construction of an approximate gradient of the electric potential which allows us to deal with coupled terms in the continuity equations. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the efficiency of the scheme.

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In this article, we propose a novel approach to construct macroscopic balance equations and constitutive equations describing various irreversible phenomena. It is based on the general principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and consists of four basic steps: picking suitable state variables, choosing a strictly concave entropy function, properly separating entropy fuxes and production rates, and determining a dissipation matrix. Our approach takes advantage of both extended irreversible thermodynamics and GENERIC formalisms and shows a direct correspondence with Levermore’s moment-closure hierarchies for the Boltzmann equation. As a direct application, a new ten-moment model beyond the classical hierarchies is constructed and is shown to recover the Euler equations in the equilibrium state. These interesting results may put various macroscopic modeling approaches, starting from the general principles of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, on a solid microscopic foundation based on the Boltzmann equation.

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