Discretized knot motion on a tensioned fiber induced by transverse waves. Issue 3 (29th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Potestio, Raffaello; Tubiana, Luca
• Is Part Of: Soft matter. Volume 12:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 669
• Page End: 673
• Publication Date: 2015-10-29
• Subjects: Soft condensed matter -- Periodicals; 530.413
• DOI: 10.1039/c5sm01766a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-683X

Abstract

Abstract : We show that the onset of standing waves on a tensioned knotted fiber kinetically traps the knot motion in spatially localized regions where the amplitude of the oscillations is maximal, while the normal diffusive dynamics of the knot is replaced by a discrete jump dynamics. Abstract : Topological entanglement is a ubiquitous feature of many biological as well as artificial polymers and fibers. While the equilibrium properties of entangled chains have been the subject of several studies, little is known about their out-of-equilibrium behavior. Here, we address the problem of a stretched knotted fiber driven by a periodic force applied to one of its termini. We show that the onset of standing waves kinetically traps the knot in spatially localized states where the amplitude of the oscillations is maximal, while the knot normal diffusive dynamics is replaced by a discrete jump dynamics.