Abstract
We investigate the morphologies and maximum packing density of thin wires packed into spherical cavities. Using simulations and experiments, we find that ordered as well as disordered structures emerge, depending on the amount of internal torsion. We find that the highest packing densities are achieved in low torsion packings for large systems, but in high torsion packings for small systems. An analysis of both situations is given in terms of energetics and comparison is made to analytical models of DNA packing in viral capsids.
- Received 7 February 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.214102
© 2011 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Learning from nature’s baggage handlers
Published 27 May 2011
Inspired by the way genetic material is stored in a virus, researchers are exploring how densely they can pack elastic wires into a spherical shell.
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