Modification of the potential function of a mechanical system caused by periodic action (Q1088422)

The motion of a particle in the field of potential forces under conditions of large friction that has a component which is nonlinear with respect to the velocity is studied. It is shown that a periodic external force of small period results, under certain circumstances, in a modification of the initial potential function a term linear with respect to the deflection is added. Possible implications of this result for problems in physico-chemical biology are discussed.