Polymer knot confined in a tube: Statics and relaxation dynamics
Journal
Physical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
Journal Volume
65
Journal Issue
1
Date Issued
2002
Author(s)
Abstract
The statics and relaxation dynamics of a polymer knot confined in a cylindrical tube of diameter D are investigated by Monte Carlo simulations. The prime knots with crossings varying from [formula presented] to [formula presented] are considered. The equilibrium radius of gyration along the axial direction is scaled as [formula presented] where [formula presented] is the Flory radius of a knotted polymer. Our simulation results suggest that [formula presented] which is different from the value for a linear chain, [formula presented] The relaxation behavior of the knotted polymer is studied after the tubular constraint is removed. The relaxation time can be scaled as [formula presented] which is confirmed by simulations. The effect of topological complexity on both properties is manifested through the Flory radius. © 2001 The American Physical Society.
Type
journal article