THERMODYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS OF THE EQUILIBRIUM SHAPE OF AN INFINITELY LONG ROD

A thermodynamic analysis of the stable morphologies of an infinitely l ong rod is presented using calculus of variation. It is verified that there exist other types of stable morphologies for an infinitely long rod except the spherical dispersion and the undisturbed state. The ana lytical expressions of the meridian line of the stable rod with a surf ace of constant mean curvature are given. It is also indicated that th e shape probably further furnishes an absolute energy minimum with res pect to the formation of a series of spherical particles of the same v olume, which depends upon the ratio of the length to the diameter of t he rod (L/D), and the ratio of the wavelength of the perturbation to 2 piR0 or piD (R0 is the radius of the undisturbed rod).