title: A minimal description of morphological hierarchy in two-dimensional aggregates.
abstract: A dimensionless parameter Λ is proposed to describe a hierarchy of morphologies in two-dimensional (2D) aggregates formed due to varying competition between short-range attraction and long-range repulsion. Structural transitions from finite non-compact to compact to percolated structures are observed in the configurations simulated by molecular dynamics at a constant temperature and density. Configurational randomness across the transition, measured by the two-body excess entropy S2, exhibits data collapse with the average potential energy [small epsilon, Greek, macron] of the systems. Independent master curves are presented among S2, the reduced second virial coefficient B2* and Λ, justifying this minimal description. This work lays out a coherent basis for the study of 2D aggregate morphologies relevant to diverse nano- and bio-processes.
authors.affiliation: Collective Interactions Unit, OIST Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 9040495, Japan. tamoghna.das@oist.jp.
authors.forename: Tamoghna
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lookman
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Bandi