Spring-block approach for nanobristle patterns

A two dimensional spring-block type model is used to model capillarity driven self-organization of nanobristles. The model reveals the role of capillarity and electrostatic forces in the pattern formation mechanism. By taking into account the relevant interactions several type of experimentally observed patterns are qualitatively well reproduced. The model offers the possibility to generate on computer novel nanobristle based structures, offering hints for designing further experiments. In order to allow for experimental validation of the model through future experiments, the cell-size distribution of the simulated cellular pattern is also studied and an exponential form is predicted. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.