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Optimal power and efficiency of odd engines
Étienne Fodor1, Anton Souslov2
1Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, L-1511 Luxembourg.
Physical Review. E
|January 15, 2022
Summary
Researchers discovered that odd materials, driven by external energy, can convert local activity into work with near-perfect efficiency. Properly designed deformation cycles are key to optimizing these novel engines for power and efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Thermodynamics
Background:
- Odd materials exhibit unique antisymmetric responses to external stimuli.
- Their anomalous properties arise from sustained nonequilibrium activity, powered by an external energy source.
- These materials offer potential for novel engine designs operating outside equilibrium thermodynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficiency of energy conversion in odd materials.
- To explore the design principles for engines utilizing cyclic deformations.
- To identify strategies for optimizing power and efficiency in these systems.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of energy conversion in odd materials.
- Modeling of cyclic deformation processes in canonical viscoelastic materials.
- Identification of design guidelines for odd engines.
Main Results:
- The efficiency of work extraction can approach unity with optimized deformation cycles.
- Strategies for maximizing power and efficiency were identified based on material properties.
- Guidelines for designing more complex odd engines were established.
Conclusions:
- Odd materials can be engineered into highly efficient engines.
- Proper design of deformation cycles is crucial for maximizing energy conversion.
- This work provides a framework for developing advanced nonequilibrium engines.
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