Abstract:
The freezing transition of a network model for tensionless membranes confined to two dimensions is investigated by Monte Carlo simulations and scaling arguments. In this model, a freezing transition is induced by reducing the tether length. Translational and bond-orientational order parameters and elastic constants are determined as a function of the tether length. A finite-size scaling analysis is used to show that the crystal melts via successive dislocation and disclination unbinding transitions, in qualitative agreement with the predictions of the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Halperin-Nelson-Young theory. The hexatic phase is found to be stable over only a very small interval of tether lengths.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received 4 June 1999 and Revised in final form 1 September 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gompper, G., Kroll, D. Melting transition of a network model in two dimensions. Eur. Phys. J. E 1, 153–157 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00014595
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00014595