arXiv subjects

S. G. Whittington

Publications and source records attributed to S. G. Whittington.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2021

Knot probabilities in equilateral random polygons

We consider the probability of knotting in equilateral random polygons in Euclidean 3-dimensional space, which model, for instance, random polymers. Results from an extensive Monte Carlo dataset of random polygons indicate a universal scaling formula for the knotting probability with the number of edges. This scaling formula involves an exponential function, independent of knot type, with a power law factor that depends on the number of prime components of the knot. The unknot, appearing as a composite knot with zero components, scales with a small negative power law, contrasting with previous studies that indicated a purely exponential scaling. The methodology incorporates several improvements over previous investigations: our random polygon data set is generated using a fast, unbiased algorithm, and knotting is detected using an optimised set of knot invariants based on the Alexander polynomial.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2013

Adsorbed self-avoiding walks subject to a force

We consider a self-avoiding walk model of polymer adsorption where the adsorbed polymer can be desorbed by the application of a force. In this paper the force is applied normal to the surface at the last vertex of the walk. We prove that the appropriate limiting free energy exists where there is an applied force and a surface potential term, and prove that this free energy is convex in appropriate variables. We then derive an expression for the limiting free energy in terms of the free energy without a force and the free energy with no surface interaction. Finally we show that there is a phase boundary between the adsorbed phase and the desorbed phase in the presence of a force, prove some qualitative properties of this boundary and derive bounds on the location of the boundary.

math-ph↗

arXiv2008

A self-interacting partially directed walk subject to a force

We consider a directed walk model of a homopolymer (in two dimensions) which is self-interacting and can undergo a collapse transition, subject to an applied tensile force. We review and interpret all the results already in the literature concerning the case where this force is in the preferred direction of the walk. We consider the force extension curves at different temperatures as well as the critical-force temperature curve. We demonstrate that this model can be analysed rigorously for all key quantities of interest even when there may not be explicit expressions for these quantities available. We show which of the techniques available can be extended to the full model, where the force has components in the preferred direction and the direction perpendicular to this. Whilst the solution of the generating function is available, its analysis is far more complicated and not all the rigorous techniques are available. However, many results can be extracted including the location of the critical point which gives the general critical-force temperature curve. Lastly, we generalise the model to a three-dimensional analogue and show that several key properties can be analysed if the force is restricted to the plane of preferred directions.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv1998

Exact Enumeration Study of Free Energies of Interacting Polygons and Walks in Two Dimensions

We present analyses of substantially extended series for both interacting self-avoiding walks (ISAW) and polygons (ISAP) on the square lattice. We argue that these provide good evidence that the free energies of both linear and ring polymers are equal above the theta-temperature, extending the application of a theorem of Tesi et. al. to two dimensions. Below the $θ$-temperature the conditions of this theorem break down, in contradistinction to three dimensions, but an analysis of the ratio of the partition functions for ISAP and ISAW indicates that the free energies are in fact equal at all temperatures to at least within 1%. Any perceived difference can be interpreted as the difference in the size of corrections-to-scaling in both problems. This may be used to explain the vastly different values of the cross-over exponent previously estimated for ISAP to that predicted theoretically, and numerically confirmed, for ISAW. An analysis of newly extended neighbour-avoiding SAW series is also given.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗