Critical transition of thermal rectification on complex networks

Thermal rectification is a mechanism that controls the direction of heat conduction, allowing it to flow freely in one direction and hindering it in the opposite direction. In this study, we propose a heat conduction model on a complex network where the node masses are non-uniformly distributed according to m(i) similar to k(i)(alpha). Our findings show that the existence of a critical point, alpha = 1, determines the working mode of thermal rectification. For alpha > 1, the working mode of thermal rectification is positive, whereas for alpha < 1, the working mode is negative. Additionally, we discovered that this critical transition is a general phenomenon and does not vary with changes in network size, average degree, or degree distribution. By conducting theoretical analyses based on phonon spectra, we also identified the physical mechanism of the critical transition. These results provide a new approach to implement and enrich thermal diodes, opening up new possibilities for more efficient thermal management.

Automated summary

In this study, a heat conduction model on a complex network with non-uniformly distributed node masses was proposed. It was found that there exists a critical point at alpha=1, which determines the working mode of thermal rectification. The critical transition was identified as a general phenomenon that is independent of network size, average degree, or degree distribution. The physical mechanism of the critical transition was also identified through theoretical analyses based on phonon spectra.