Issue
J. Phys. II France
Volume 3, Number 3, March 1993
Page(s) 287 - 292
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/jp2:1993132
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. Kozlov

Fachbereich 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.

PACS
82.65D - 87.20C

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