Monte Carlo simulations of fluid vesicles with in plane orientational ordering

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simulation method for fluid vesicles with in-plane orientational order, demonstrating how nematic ordering affects membrane stiffness and shape, including tube formation.

Contribution

The paper develops a novel simulation approach combining curvature computation and parallel transport for in-plane order on triangulated surfaces, capturing membrane behavior.

Findings

Reproduces known equilibrium membrane conformations

Nematic ordering stiffens the membrane

Can induce anisotropic rigidity and tube formation

Abstract

We present a method for simulating fluid vesicles with in-plane orientational ordering. The method involves computation of local curvature tensor and parallel transport of the orientational field on a randomly triangulated surface. It is shown that the model reproduces the known equilibrium conformation of fluid membranes and work well for a large range of bending rigidities. Introduction of nematic ordering leads to stiffening of the membrane. Nematic ordering can also result in anisotropic rigidity on the surface leading to formation of membrane tubes.