Rotational dynamics of entangled polymers

TL;DR

This paper investigates the complex rotational behavior of entangled polymers, both flexible and semiflexible, under various conditions using simulations and analytical models, revealing universal scaling laws and dynamical exponents.

Contribution

It extends understanding of polymer rotational dynamics by combining simulation and analytical approaches to uncover universal exponents and behaviors.

Findings

Identified non-trivial universal exponents in polymer rotation

Validated analytical models with simulation results

Described complex dynamical regimes of rotating polymers

Abstract

Some recent results on the rotational dynamics of polymers are reviewed and extended. We focus here on the relaxation of a polymer, either flexible or semiflexible, initially wrapped around a rigid rod. We also study the steady polymer rotation generated by a constant torque on the rod. The interplay of frictional and entropic forces leads to a complex dynamical behavior characterized by non-trivial universal exponents. The results are based on extensive simulations of polymers undergoing Rouse dynamics and on an analytical approach using force balance and scaling arguments. The analytical results are in general in good agreement with the simulations, showing how a simplified approach can correctly capture the complex dynamical behavior of rotating polymers.