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Phase structure of a surface model on dynamically triangulated spheres with elastic skeletons
1Department of Mechanical and Systems Engineering, Ibaraki National College of Technology, Nakane 866 Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan. koibuchi@mech.ibaraki-ct.ac.jp
Summary
This study identifies three distinct phases—tubular, planar, and spherical—in a triangulated fluid surface model, separated by discontinuous transitions. These phases arise from an inhomogeneous surface structure and vertex fluidity, offering insights into complex fluid dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Computational physics
- Materials science
- Fluid dynamics
Background:
- Investigating phase transitions in fluid surfaces is crucial for understanding material properties.
- Conventional curvature models often simplify surface mechanics, neglecting structural complexities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the phase behavior of a triangulated fluid surface model.
- To analyze the impact of structural elements (skeletons) on surface properties and phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized canonical Monte Carlo simulations with dynamical triangulations.
- Employed a curvature model focusing on surface skeletons rather than bending energy.
- Introduced elastic linear chains and rigid junctions to create a compartmentalized surface structure.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct phases: tubular, planar, and spherical.
- Observed discontinuous transitions between these phases.
- Demonstrated that surface strength is inhomogeneous due to compartmentalization, yet rotational symmetry is preserved.
Conclusions:
- The inhomogeneous structure and vertex fluidity are key drivers for the observed phase variety.
- A collapsed phase is predicted in the low bending rigidity regime.
- The model provides a novel framework for studying complex fluid surface behavior.
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