Anisotropic surface tension of buckled fluid membrane

TL;DR

This paper reveals that buckled fluid membranes exhibit anisotropic surface tension, with perpendicular tension showing stronger dependence, supported by simulations, and suggests this can be used to measure bending rigidity and observe phase synchronization.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of anisotropic surface tension in buckled fluid membranes and demonstrates its implications through theoretical and simulation analysis.

Findings

Perpendicular surface tension depends more strongly on buckling

Anisotropic tension can be used to measure bending rigidity

Phase synchronization occurs between multilayered buckled membranes

Abstract

Solid sheets and fluid membranes exhibit buckling under lateral compression. Here, it is revealed that fluid membranes have anisotropic buckling surface tension contrary to solid sheets. Surprisingly, the surface tension perpendicular to the buckling direction shows stronger dependence than that parallel to it. Our theoretical predictions are supported by numerical simulations of a meshless membrane model. This anisotropic tension can be used to measure the membrane bending rigidity. It is also found phase synchronization occurs between multilayered buckled membranes.