Collision of polymers in a vacuum

J. M. Deutsch
Phys. Rev. E 83, 051801 – Published 3 May 2011

Abstract

In a number of experimental situations, single-polymer molecules can be suspended in a vacuum. Here collisions between such molecules are considered. The limit of high collision velocity is investigated numerically for a variety of conditions. The distribution of contact times, scattering angles, and final velocities are analyzed. In this limit, self-avoiding chains are found to become highly stretched as they collide with each other and have a distribution of scattering times that depends on the scattering angle. The velocity of the molecules after the collisions is similar to predictions of a model assuming thermal equilibration of molecules during the collision. The most important difference is a significant subset of molecules that inelastically scatter but do not substantially change direction.

    • Received 10 June 2010

    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.83.051801

    ©2011 American Physical Society

    Authors & Affiliations

    J. M. Deutsch

    • Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA

    Article Text (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand

    References (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand
    Issue

    Vol. 83, Iss. 5 — May 2011

    Reuse & Permissions
    Access Options
    Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

    Authorization Required


    ×
    ×

    Images

    ×

    Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

    Log In

    Cancel
    ×

    Search


    Article Lookup

    Paste a citation or DOI

    Enter a citation
    ×