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Pulling a harmonically bound particle subjected to Coulombic friction: A nonequilibrium analysis
T Feghhi1, W Tichy1, A W C Lau1
1Department of Physics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, USA.
This study reveals that frictional force scales logarithmically with pulling velocity in mesoscopic systems. Despite violating the fluctuation-dissipation theorem, the work function adheres to the stationary fluctuation theorem, indicating system noise influences effective temperature.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Statistical Mechanics
Background:
- Dry friction is increasingly recognized for its role in biological systems.
- Understanding nonequilibrium dynamics in mesoscopic systems is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effects of dry friction on a mesoscopic particle.
- Analyze the nonequilibrium dynamics under external pulling and a noisy environment.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological modeling of dry friction proportional to velocity sign.
- Numerical simulations using a Langevin equation.
Main Results:
- Frictional force exhibits logarithmic scaling with pulling velocity.
- The spatial displacement probability distribution is non-Gaussian.
- Violation of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem confirmed.
- Work function obeys the stationary fluctuation theorem.
Conclusions:
- Dry friction significantly impacts mesoscopic particle dynamics.
- System noise determines an effective temperature relevant to fluctuation theorems.
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