Drag forces in classical fields

TL;DR

This paper investigates the drag forces experienced by inclusions moving through classical fields, with applications to biological membranes and magnetic systems, providing theoretical predictions validated by simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a general framework for calculating drag forces on inclusions in classical fields, considering field dynamics and coupling effects, with specific applications to membranes and magnetic systems.

Findings

Drag force depends on field dynamics and coupling.

Monte Carlo simulations confirm theoretical predictions.

Applications to lipid membranes and magnetic systems.

Abstract

Inclusions, or defects, moving at constant velocity through free classical fields are shown to be subject to a drag force which depends on the field dynamics and the coupling of the inclusion to the field. The results are used to predict the drag exerted on inclusions, such as proteins, in lipid membranes due to their interaction with height and composition fluctuations. The force, measured in Monte Carlo simulations, on a point like magnetic field moving through an Ising ferromagnet is also well explained by these results.