RUPTURE DYNAMICS IN POLYMERS WITH INTERCONNECTING BONDS

Abstract

In this dissertation work, we study the rupture dynamics of interconnecting bonds between two flexible polymers under the action of external force. The modified geometry that resembles most type of adhesion clusters coupled to cytoskeleton that have to function under mechanical load; is taken as our model system so that the problem remains one dimensional and tractable. Extensive stochastic simulations of the model system are performed. The model system exhibits rich rupture dynamics which is essentially sequential. A mean field analytical formulation of the dynamics of the model system is also carried out. But the inherent coupling between the bond and transducer dynamics restrains an exact treatment. An alternate route to solve the coupled mean field equations has been suggested