Monte Carlo Calculations on the Dynamics of Polymers in Dilute Solution

A method is described for simulating the dynamical behavior of a linear polymer in dilute solution, subject to random collision with solvent molecules. Equilibrium distributions of various chain dimensions may be obtained by periodic inspection of the chain. Relaxation phenomena in such chains may also be studied. Results are given for equilibrium distribution and relaxation behavior of the end-to-end length, for chains of 8, 16, 32, and 64 beads. The equilibrium chain dimensions are in satisfactory accord with the calculations of Wall and his collaborators, while the relaxation times are close to those predicted with the aid of the hydrodynamic theory of Rouse and Zimm.