Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids
Published on: December 4, 2017
Thermodynamics and efficiency of sequentially collisional Brownian particles: The role of drivings
Fernando S Filho1, Bruno A N Akasaki1, Carlos E F Noa1
1Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Física, Rua do Matão, 1371, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Abstract:
Brownian particles placed sequentially in contact with distinct thermal reservoirs and subjected to external driving forces are promising candidates for the construction of reliable engine setups. In this contribution, we address the role of driving forces for enhancing the collisional machine performance. Analytical expressions for thermodynamic quantities such as power output and efficiency are obtained for general driving schemes. A proper choice of these driving schemes substantially increases both power output and efficiency and extends the working regime. Maximizations of power and efficiency, whether with respect to the strength of the force, driving scheme, or both have been considered and exemplified for two kind of drivings: generic power-law and harmonic (sinusoidal) drivings.
Related Concept Videos
Path Between Thermodynamics States
Basic Postulates of Kinetic Molecular Theory: Particle Size, Energy, and Collision
Collisions in Multiple Dimensions: Introduction
Temperature Dependence on Reaction Rate
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...
The Carnot Cycle
What could be the theoretical limit to the efficiency of a heat engine? The...
Distribution of Molecular Speeds

