Abstract
Using Brownian dynamics simulations, we study the effective mobility and diffusion coefficient of a point particle in a tube formed from identical compartments of varying diameter, as functions of the driving force applied along the tube axis. Our primary focus is on how the driving force dependences of these transport coefficients are modified by the changes in the compartment shape. In addition to monotonically increasing or decreasing behavior of the effective mobility in periodic entropy potentials reported earlier, we now show that the effective mobility can even be nonmonotonic in the driving force.
Highlights
Transport in systems of varying geometry has been actively studied in recent years1–11 since such systems are ubiquitous in nature and technology
Since periodic entropy barriers slow down the particle propagation, the effective mobility never exceeds the mobility μ0 in space with no constraints
Studying the effect of the compartment shape on the F-dependence of the effective mobility, we found that the dependence can even be nonmonotonic, namely, μeff(F) first decreases with the force, reaches a minimum, and increases to approach μ0 as F → ∞
Summary
Transport in systems of varying geometry has been actively studied in recent years1–11 since such systems are ubiquitous in nature and technology. Published Online: 10 March 2011 Leonardo Dagdug, Alexander M. (Received 14 January 2011; accepted 12 February 2011; published online 10 March 2011)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
