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Packing of Elastic Wires in Spherical Cavities

N. Stoop, J. Najafi, F. K. Wittel, M. Habibi, and H. J. Herrmann
Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 214102 – Published 26 May 2011
Physics logo See Synopsis: Learning from nature’s baggage handlers

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.

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  • Received 7 February 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.106.214102

© 2011 American Physical Society

Synopsis

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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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Authors & Affiliations

N. Stoop1, J. Najafi2, F. K. Wittel1, M. Habibi2, and H. J. Herrmann1,3

  • 1Computational Physics for Engineering Materials, ETH Zurich, Schafmattstrasse 6, HIF, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
  • 2Department of Physics, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
  • 3Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Cearà, Campus do Pici, 60451-970 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

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Issue

Vol. 106, Iss. 21 — 27 May 2011

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