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arXiv · 2504.01353

Subcritical Pitchfork Bifurcation Transition of a Single Nanoparticle in Strong Confinement

Jeongmin Kim·Bong June Sung
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Abstract

Confinement influences fluid properties. We show, employing molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvents, that slit confinement drives a first-order transition for a small nanoparticle between staying at the slit center and binding to the slit surfaces. The transition follows a subcritical pitchfork bifurcation, accompanying a similar transition of the nanoparticle's lateral diffusion, depending on interparticle interactions and confinement interfaces. Our findings underscore the necessity for advancing molecular hydrodynamics under strong confinement.

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Jeongmin Kim, Bong June Sung. 2025-04-02. Subcritical Pitchfork Bifurcation Transition of a Single Nanoparticle in Strong Confinement. https://doi.org/10.1103/75zs-7d2k

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