Irreversibility and entropy production of a thermally driven micromachine

We discuss the non-equilibrium properties of a thermally driven micromachine consisting three spheres which are in equilibrium with independent heat baths characterized by different temperatures. Within framework linear stochastic Langevin description, we calculate time-dependent average irreversibility that takes maximum value for finite time. This time scale is roughly set spring relaxation The steady-state entropy production rate obtained terms temperatures and friction coefficients spheres. depends on thermal and/or mechanical asymmetry three-sphere micromachine. also obtain center mass diffusion coefficient as function coefficients. With results total coefficient, finally efficiency