Directed transport in equilibrium: A model study

It is generally believed that sustained directed transport in mechanical systems is not achievable under equilibrium conditions. In this article, by analyzing a simple model, we will show that directed motion under equilibrium conditions can take place and is not inconsistent with conservation of energy and the second law of thermodynamics. Our model demonstrates a novel symmetry breaking mechanism sustainable under equilibrium conditions and average uniform motion of the center of mass is a consequence of the sustained broken symmetry. The most important consequence of our results is that, no current condition for mechanical equilibrium is possibly non-universal. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.