Statistical mechanics of bent twisted ribbons

TL;DR

This paper provides an analytical framework for understanding the elastic behavior of bent twisted ribbons, incorporating thermal fluctuations, with implications for DNA looping and graphene ribbon elasticity.

Contribution

It introduces a combined mechanical and thermal fluctuation model for bent twisted ribbons, advancing understanding of their elastic properties.

Findings

Predicted the moment-angle relation for bent and twisted ribbons.

Analyzed the impact of thermal fluctuations on elastic response.

Provided insights relevant to DNA and graphene ribbon mechanics.

Abstract

We present an analytical study of bent twisted ribbons. We first describe the elastic response of a ribbon within a purely mechanical framework. We then study the role of thermal fluctuations in modifying its elastic response. We predict the moment angle relation of bent and twisted ribbons. Such a study is expected to shed light on the role of twist in the "J factor" for DNA looping and on bending elasticity of twisted graphene ribbons.