Gravity-Induced Thermal Rectification in Gaseous Systems

Abstract

Thermal rectification (TR) typically relies on structural asymmetry or material heterogeneity. Here, we show that gravity alone can induce and modulate TR in gaseous systems. Using a minimal model of a single gas particle confined in a two-dimensional channel between heat baths at different temperatures, we analytically demonstrate that gravitational fields generate TR, enabling perfect unidirectional heat conduction across broad gravitational parameter ranges. This effect exhibits an intrinsic trade-off between rectification efficiency and heat power. Extending beyond the single-particle limit, numerical simulations confirm that gravitationally induced TR persists in interacting many-particle systems. Notably, in interacting gas mixtures, the rectification direction can be reversed. Gravity-mediated control of heat currents thus provides new fundamental insights into thermal transport and suggests design principles for gaseous thermal diodes.