DOI: 10.1051/jp2:1993132
J. Phys. II France 3 (1993) 287-292
Bending tensions and the bending rigidity of fluid membranes
W. Helfrich and M.M. KozlovFachbereich Physik, Freie Universität Berlin, Arnimallee 14, 1000 Berlin 33, Germany
(Received 6 April 1992, revised 29 December 1992, accepted 5 January 1993)
Abstract
It is shown theoretically that the lateral tension associated with bending may in effect reduce the elastic resistance to
curvature of fluid membranes. In particular, the spontaneous curvature of surfactant monolayers gives rise to a reduction
of the bending rigidity.
82.65D - 87.20C
© Les Editions de Physique 1993