RELAXATION TIMES IN SYSTEMS WITH ZERO AND NON-ZERO STATIONARY FLOW

We examine the kinetics of relaxation processes in dynamical models with the fixed number of Brownian particles and with the constant source of the particles. The former evolves to the zero equilibrium distribution, while the latter develops to the stationary state with non-equilibrium distribution and non-zero stationary flow. We show that the relaxation times in the both systems coincide. This is valid for an arbitrary noise intensity and shape of potential profile. In addition we propose to modify the well-known Kramers' approach for the determination of relaxation time. The modified approach is valid for an arbitrary height of potential barriers.