The shape and stiffness dependence of transport properties of macromolecules

Abstract

It is argued that the impenetrability of macromolecules or of bodies in suspensions is better treated by honouring topological invariance than by using infinitely repulsive forces. The topological invariance is best treated by accurate analysis of the coupled equations of the polymers and their surroundings. Soft forces between polymers can only be treated by the use of collective coordinates, so a comprehensive set of equations of motion needs to involve fluid velocities and appropriate collective coordinates for the polymer. The appropriate collective coordinate is defined and shown to lead to closed equations. These equations now contain the coupled motion, normal (soft) forces, the property that polymers cannot pass through each other etc. Some discussion is given of solutions for these formidable equations in various limiting cases.