I M Sokolov and A Blumen 1997 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 30 3021 doi:10.1088/0305-4470/30/9/015
I M Sokolov and A Blumen
Show affiliationsWe consider models which are symmetric under time-reversal and which produce net currents under parametrical, dichotomous, thermal excitation. The simplest is based on a three-level system, which is the basic unit of a `minimal' thermally driven ratchet. We analyse the system's behaviour under periodic, dichotomous temperature changes and calculate the current, work and efficiency of the engine as functions of the upper and lower temperatures and of the modulation period. The system's behaviour differs greatly from a quasistatically working heat engine (such as based on a Carnot cycle). We discuss how this behaviour arises due to the inherently irreversible nature of the underlying process.
82C35 Irreversible thermodynamics, including Onsager-Machlup theory
82C41 Dynamics of random walks, random surfaces, lattice animals, etc. (See also 60G50)
82C44 Dynamics of disordered systems (random Ising systems, etc.)
Issue 9 (7 May 1997)
Received 20 September 1996
I M Sokolov and A Blumen 1997 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 30 3021
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