Piotr Pieranski et al 2004 Eur. J. Phys. 25 613 doi:10.1088/0143-0807/25/5/004
Piotr Pieranski1, Justyna Baranska1 and Arne Skjeltorp2
Show affiliationsTendril perversion—a phenomenon ruled by the topological conservation law—is presented. A contemporary, quantitative analysis of the phenomenon is confronted with its qualitative, intuitive analysis carried out by Charles Darwin. The linking number, twist and writhe are defined. The topological conservation law is introduced. The Gauss formula for calculating the linking number and the Calugareanu formula for calculating writhe are derived and discussed using physical arguments.
87.23.-n Ecology and evolution
Issue 5 (September 2004)
Received 31 March 2004
Published 22 June 2004
Piotr Pieranski et al 2004 Eur. J. Phys. 25 613
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