The Epidemic Péclet Number: R₀ as Drift-Diffusion Ratio and the Thermodynamic Foundations of Epidemic Control
Abstract
Formally establishes that the basic reproduction number R₀ is a Péclet number — the ratio of directed transmission drift to recovery diffusion in the SIR model. Derives epidemic theorems as corollaries of void framework results: super-spreader events as T4 population amplification cascades, herd immunity as the coupling floor (T10), and WHO/CDC credibility collapse under regulatory capture as the Independence Theorem (T11). Provides falsifiable predictions with existing epidemiological data.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models
COVID-19 epidemiological studies
Historical and modern epidemiology studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
- Publication date
- 26 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Preprint