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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
We model the cytoskeleton as a fractal network by identifying each segment with a simple Kelvin-Voigt element with a well defined equilibrium length. The final structure retains the elastic characteristics of a solid or a gel, which may support stress, without relaxing. By considering a very simple regular self-similar structure of segments in series and in parallel, in one, two, or three dimensions, we are able to express the viscoelasticity of the network as an effective generalized Kelvin-Voigt model with a power law spectrum of retardation times L similar to tau(alpha). We relate the parameter alpha with the fractal dimension of the gel. In some regimes ( 0 < alpha < 1), we recover the weak power law behaviors of the elastic and viscous moduli with the angular frequencies G' similar to G" similar to w(alpha) that occur in a variety of soft materials, including living cells. In other regimes, we find different power laws for G' and G".
Description
Keywords
Soft glassy materials Living cells
Pedagogical Context
Citation
PATRÍCIO, Pedro; [et al] - Rheology of the cytoskeleton as a fractal network. Physical Review E. ISSN 1539-3755. Vol. 92, N.º 4 (2015), pp. 040702-1-040702-5
Publisher
Amer Physical Soc