Simulation of forces on polymers due to slippage

TL;DR

This paper presents a simulation-based method to measure forces on polymers being pulled through a network, aligning computational results with analytical and experimental data.

Contribution

It introduces algorithms for force measurement on lattice models of polymers, including methods to estimate bounds on the force.

Findings

Simulation results agree with analytical predictions.

Algorithms effectively measure forces on polymers.

Bounds on force provide insights into polymer dynamics.

Abstract

We consider the force on the end of a polymer chain being pulled through a network at velocity $v$, using computer simulations. We develop algorithms for measuring the force on the end of the chain using lattice models of polymers. Our algorithm attaches a spring to the end being pulled and uses its average extension to calculate the force. General problems associated with the use of lattice models in obtaining forces are discussed. Variants of this method are used to obtain upper and lower bounds to the force. The results obtained are in agreement with recent analytical predictions and experiments.