Statistical computation of distribution functions of dimensions of macromolecules

✍ Scribed by Schatzki, T. F.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1962
• Weight: 814 KB
• Volume: 57
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-3832
• DOI: 10.1002/pol.1962.1205716526

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Random walks of 100 steps or less in a three‐dimensional tetrahedral lattice have been generated by means of the ILLIAC computer. Excluded volume has been introduced by forbidding double occupancy of lattice sites. The distribution function of end‐to‐end lengths has been collected and expanded in terms of Hermite polynomials. One finds that the distribution can be expressed as a two‐term expansion, the second term contributing 10% at 100 steps. For walks of a given number of steps and a given end‐to‐end length the spatial distribution of monomer segments has been investigated and compared to the (no excluded volume) expression of James. One finds that the introduction of excluded volume swells the chains and increases the moment of inertia along the major axis.