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Timothy Ekeh1, Michael E Cates1, Étienne Fodor1

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Active matter systems can power novel cyclic engines by dissipating energy. Researchers developed a thermodynamic framework and a protocol to extract work by controlling boundary properties, optimizing engine performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Thermodynamics
  • Active Matter Physics
  • Statistical Mechanics

Background:

  • Active matter systems dissipate energy to drive self-propulsion of constituent micro-particles.
  • This energy dissipation enables the creation of non-equilibrium cyclic engines, distinct from traditional equilibrium thermodynamics.
  • Understanding and optimizing these systems is crucial for developing new energy conversion technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish a consistent thermodynamic framework for characterizing and optimizing active matter cyclic engines.
  • To propose and analyze a protocol for work extraction by manipulating boundary conditions.
  • To investigate the relationship between power, efficiency, and cycle time in these systems.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a minimal theoretical model for active matter cyclic engines.
  • Formulation of a thermodynamic framework to analyze engine performance.
  • Analysis of a work extraction protocol controlled by confining wall properties.
  • Investigation of power-efficiency relationships and fluctuation constraints.

Main Results:

  • A protocol is presented for extracting work by controlling boundary properties of active matter systems.
  • Power and efficiency are shown to be generally proportional, reaching maximum values at the same cycle time.
  • A generic relation constraining power fluctuations in these non-equilibrium cycles is derived.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides a robust thermodynamic framework for active matter cyclic engines.
  • The proposed boundary-controlled protocol offers a novel approach to work extraction.
  • The findings reveal unique performance characteristics, such as simultaneous power and efficiency maximization, distinct from thermal cycles.