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Theory of Semiflexible Filaments and Networks

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Meng, F 

Abstract

We briefly review the recent developments in the theory of individual semiflexible filaments, and of a crosslinked network of such filaments, both permanent and transient. Starting from the free energy of an individual semiflexible chain, models on its force-extension relation and other mechanical properties such as Euler buckling are discussed. For a permanently crosslinked network of filaments, theories on how the network responds to deformation are provided, with a focus on continuum approaches. Characteristic features of filament networks, such as nonlinear stress-strain relation, negative normal stress, tensegrity, and marginal stability are discussed. In the new area of transient filament network, where the crosslinks can be dynamically broken and re-formed, we show some recent attempts for understanding the dynamics of the crosslinks, and the related rheological properties, such as stress relaxation, yield stress and plasticity.

Description

Keywords

theory, semiflexible chain, semiflexible filament network, transient network

Journal Title

Polymers

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2073-4360
2073-4360

Volume Title

9

Publisher

MDPI
Sponsorship
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/J017639/1)
European Research Council (786659)
This work has been funded by the Theory of Condensed Matter Critical Mass Grant from EPSRC (EP/J017639).