Date of Award
2019
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
Department
Physics
First Advisor
Gerhard Müller
Abstract
This study presents a statistical mechanical analysis of single molecular chains at thermal equilibrium subject to tension, torque, and contact with a fluid medium. Polymeric chains are modeled as one-dimensional, microscopic groups of monomers. The methodology treats the response of monomers to tension, torque, and fluid medium contact as sets of statistically interacting quasi-particles. Complex elastic behavior and structural transitions as observed in single-molecule manipulation experiments are successfully described using this methodology. Models pertaining to thermal unbending, linear elasticity, torque-twist characteristics, and structural transformations including effects of cooperativity are presented. Dynamic phenomena associated with fluid-medium contact are considered as an extension of the methodology.
Recommended Citation
Meyer, Aaron C., "MOLECULAR CHAINS UNDER TENSION AND TORQUE: ACTIVATION OF STATISTICALLY INTERACTING EXTENSION, TWIST, AND CONTACT PARTICLES" (2019). Open Access Dissertations. Paper 883.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/oa_diss/883
Terms of Use
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