Pendulum as a model system for driven rotation in molecular nanoscale machines
Journal article, 2000

We suggest a ratchet mechanism of rotatory (or translatory) motion of a Brownian rotator (or a particle) in a spatially symmetric periodic potential. The asymmetry that drives the ratchet motion is due to a special sequence of activation of catalytic sites arranged in space circularly and periodically. A pendulum driven by short impulses at its stable equilibrium point is shown to be a simple mechanical model which can be constructed easily and used for visual observation of the ratchet rotation. A possible application of this mechanism in nanotechnology is briefly discussed.

Author

A. V. Zolotaryuk

P. L. Christiansen

Bengt Nordén

Department of Physical Chemistry

A. V. Savin

Y. Zolotaryuk

Physical Review E - Statistical Physics, Plasmas, Fluids, and Related Interdisciplinary Topics

1063-651X (ISSN)

Vol. 61 3 3256-3259

Subject Categories

Physical Sciences

DOI

10.1103/PhysRevE.61.3256

More information

Created

10/7/2017