Heat controlling in the mass-graded harmonic lattices with double-well on-site potential

Abstract

Using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate thermal rectification in mass-graded lattices with a new type on-site potential which has a physical picture of the double-well. By adjusting the ratio of harmonic on-site potential and anharmonic on-site potential, we could obtain the optimal heat transport and the best thermal rectification. In addition, we observe the reversal thermal rectification by changing the ratio of on-site potential and analyzes the mechanism of thermal rectification through the power spectrum. At last, we also study the heat flux and thermal rectification in a different case of average temperature and mass gradient.