Shape analysis of random polymer networks

Abstract

We analyze conformational properties of branched polymer structures, formed on the base of Erdös-Rényi random graph model. We consider networks with $N=5$ vertices and variable parameter $c$, that controls graph connectedness. The universal rotationally invariant size and shape characteristics, such as averaged asphericity $⟨A_3⟩$ and size ratio $g$ of such structures are obtained both numerically by application of Wei's method and analytically within the continuous chain model. In particular, our results quantitatively indicate an increase of asymmetry of polymer network structure when its connectedness $c$ decreases.