Distinct regimes of elastic response and deformation modes of cross-linked cytoskeletal and semiflexible polymer networks

Details Distinct regimes of elastic response and deformation modes of cross-linked cytoskeletal and semiflexible polymer networks Distinct regimes of elastic response and deformation modes of cross-linked cytoskeletal and semiflexible polymer networks

2003-08-14

arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0308275v2

Physics

Condensed Matter

Soft Condensed Matter

New discussion on possible consequences of orienting and/or rigid crosslinks; some other minor corrections. To appear in Phys.

Scientific paper

10.1103/PhysRevE.68.061907

Semiflexible polymers such as filamentous actin play a vital role in the mechanical behavior of cells, yet the basic properties of cross-linked F-actin networks remain poorly understood. To address this issue, we have performed numerical studies of the linear response of homogeneous and isotropic two-dimensional networks subject to an applied strain at zero temperature. The elastic moduli are found to vanish for network densities at a rigidity percolation threshold. For higher densities, two regimes are observed: one in which the deformation is predominantly affine and the filaments stretch and compress; and a second in which bending modes dominate. We identify a dimensionless scalar quantity, being a combination of the material length scales, that specifies to which regime a given network belongs. A scaling argument is presented that approximately agrees with this crossover variable. By a direct geometric measure, we also confirm that the degree of affinity under strain correlates with the distinct elastic regimes. We discuss the implications of our findings and suggest possible directions for future investigations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Distinct regimes of elastic response and deformation modes of cross-linked cytoskeletal and semiflexible polymer networks does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Distinct regimes of elastic response and deformation modes of cross-linked cytoskeletal and semiflexible polymer networks, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Distinct regimes of elastic response and deformation modes of cross-linked cytoskeletal and semiflexible polymer networks will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-82236