Molecular dynamics simulation of synchronization of a driven particle
- 1 October 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) in American Journal of Physics
- Vol. 89 (10), 975-981
- https://doi.org/10.1119/10.0005037
Abstract
Synchronization plays an important role in many physical processes. We discuss synchronization in a molecular dynamics simulation of a single particle moving through a viscous liquid while being driven across a washboard potential energy landscape. Our results show many dynamical patterns as the landscape and driving force are altered. For certain conditions, the particle's velocity and location are synchronized or phase-locked and form closed orbits in phase space. Quasi-periodic motion is common, for which the dynamical center of motion shifts the phase space orbit. By isolating synchronized motion in simulations and table-top experiments, we can study complex natural behaviors important to many physical processes.Keywords
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