Crystallization and layer formation of lipid: A molecular dynamics simulation

We investigate the structure formation of the long chain molecules by molec ular dynamics simulation. In this paper, we have special interest in the me lting, crystallization, and membrane formation, all in the presence of a fr ee surface. The crystal with free side surfaces is shown to have characteri stic structural instability at higher temperatures, and to melt and recryst allize at a temperature considerably lower than the melting point. Furtherm ore, the crystallization from the melt is found to occur preferentially at the free surface, resulting in the formation of a well-developed three-dime nsional crystal. Lastly, the surface membrane on the liquid is found to sho w dynamical stability; here the molecules frequently change their positions from the membranes to the underlying liquid, and vice versa.