
A polymer is a chain of monomers whose connectivity makes its dynamics far richer than those of simple particles. The Rouse model captures this by treating monomers as harmonically coupled Brownian oscillators: each bead feels a restoring force from its neighbors plus thermal noise. In this report, we study a discrete, lattice-based analogue of the Rouse model. On a 2D lattice, we enforce a single microscopic rule - fixed nearest-neighbor distance along the chain - together with self-avoidance, and use Monte Carlo simulations to follow the polymer’s motion. We quantify the dynamics via the squared end-to-end distance, the squared radius of gyration and the monomer mean-squared displacement. Without self-avoidance, the MSD shows the expected Rouse crossover from subdiffusive to diffusive regimes around a timescale that is consistent with Rouse scaling. Even without explicit energies, this minimal distance-preserving rule reproduces essential polymer-dynamical features, highlighting how complex behavior can arise from very simple geometric constraints. To go beyond Rouse dynamics, we then introduce several alternating-rule toy models (alternating copolymers) and a block-copolymer toy model that impose spatially heterogeneous geometric constraints. By changing only which moves different monomers may attempt - without adding forces, potentials or energetic biases - these models break detailed balance and generate a spectrum of nonequilibrium responses. Some remain close to Rouse-like behavior due to geometric suppression of rule heterogeneity, while others exhibit strong nonequilibrium expansion driven by bond-length fluctuations.
monte carlo simulations, statistical mechanics, polymer physics, polymers
monte carlo simulations, statistical mechanics, polymer physics, polymers
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 0 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Average | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Average |
