Transient rectification of Brownian diffusion with asymmetric initial distribution

Abstract

In an ensemble of non-interacting Brownian particles, a finite systematic average velocity may temporarily develop, even if it is zero initially. The effect originates from a small nonlinear correction to the dissipative force, causing the equation for the first moment of velocity to couple to moments of higher order. The effect may be relevant when a complex system dissociates in a viscous medium with conservation of momentum