Obiettivo
The long term objective of this project is to develop a general theory of the formation and evolution of structures that may arise in cord-like systems i.e. long thin objects whose spatial equilibrium shapes are determined by their internal energy function.
Many objects from various fields of science are cord-like objects e.g. twisted curved elastic rods, vortex filaments, cosmic strings. The three-dimensional equilibrium configurations of all these objects may be described by equations analogous to those governing the motion of a rigid body about a fixed point. Since this problem has been extensively studied in applied mathematics and mechanics, a rational basis for the general theory is available.
The project has the specific aim of studying the cord-like objects of molecular biology: DNA and RNA macromolecules. The outcome of the investigation will be the elaboration of efficient methods for determination, classification and analysis of biomolecular large-scale, tertiary structures.
The project will use analytical techniques of theoretical mechanics and applied non-linear analysis as well as numerical methods and computer simulation. At the first stage, methods for the computation of equilibrium states of the molecular cords will be developed. Furthermore, analysis of the changing shapes under various parameters, as well as stability and bifurcation of various 3D configurations, will be carried out.
Argomento(i)
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Data not availableMeccanismo di finanziamento
Data not availableCoordinatore
1040 Wien
Austria