Abstract

The motion of a Brownian particle in the presence of Coulomb friction and an asymmetric spatial potential was evaluated in this study. The system exhibits a ratchet effect, i.e., an average directed motion even in the absence of an external force, induced by the coupling of non-equilibrium conditions with the spatial asymmetry. Both the average motion and the fluctuations of the Brownian particle were analysed. The stationary velocity shows a non-monotonic behaviour as a function of both the temperature and the viscosity of the bath. The diffusion properties of the particle, which show several time regimes, were also investigated. To highlight the role of non-linear friction in the dynamics, a comparison is presented with a linear model of a Brownian particle driven by a constant external force, which allows for analytical treatment. In particular, the study unveils that the passage times between different temporal regimes are strongly affected by the presence of Coulomb friction.

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.