Crystallization of Brownian particles in thin systems constrained by walls

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2014 Sep;90(3):032404. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.90.032404. Epub 2014 Sep 22.

Abstract

Keeping formation of a colloidal crystal by a centrifugal force in mind, we carry out Brownian dynamics simulations in thin systems and study ordering of particles induced by an external force. During solidification, the two-dimensional ordering along walls initially occurs. Then, the ordered particles on the walls act as substrates, and crystallization proceeds into bulk. When the external force is weak, the close-packed face of the crystal structure is parallel to the bottom wall. The direction of the close-packed face depends on the strength of the external force: The close-packed face becomes parallel to the side walls with a strong external force.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acceleration
  • Crystallization
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry

Substances

  • Polystyrenes