On the Doi-Onsager Model of Rigid Rod-Like Polymers
Date
2016-01-01
Authors
Chenhall, Tyler
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Hailiang Liu
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Abstract
In this paper, we review the Doi-Onsager model of orientation dynamics for rod-like polymers in solution, and present additional analysis. We discuss existing results on existence and convergence of solutions, as well as properties of equilibria. In particular, this model captures a phase transition indicating a switch between aligned and disordered particle orientations. We use nonlinear and linear stability analysis to further characterize this bifurcation. A new proof of equilibrium distribution symmetry is given for the two-dimensional problem. Finally, we derive, analyze, and demonstrate a numerical scheme for the two-dimensional problem which preserves the mass, positivity, and entropy-decreasing nature of the system.
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Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 UTC 2016