Zipping and unzipping in string networks: dynamics of Y-junctions

Avgoustidis, Anastasios; Pourtsidou, Alkistis; Sakellariadou, Mairi

Abstract

We study, within the Nambu-Goto approximation, the stability of massive string junctions under the influence of the tensions of three strings joining together in a Y-type configuration. The relative angle β between the strings at the junction is in general time dependent and its evolution can lead to zipping or unzipping of the three-string configuration. We find that these configurations are stable under deformations of the tension balance condition at the junction. The angle β relaxes at its equilibrium value and the junction grows relativistically. We then discuss other potential “unzipping agents” including monopole/string forces for long strings and curvature for loops, and we investigate specific solutions exhibiting decelerated zipping and unzipping of the Y junction. These results provide motivation for incorporating the effects of realistic string interactions in network evolution models with string junctions.

Citation

Avgoustidis, A., Pourtsidou, A., & Sakellariadou, M. (2015). Zipping and unzipping in string networks: dynamics of Y-junctions. Physical Review D, 91(2), Article 025022. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.91.025022

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 15, 2015
• Deposit Date: Sep 29, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 29, 2015
• Journal: Physical Review D
• Print ISSN: 2470-0010
• Electronic ISSN: 2470-0029
• Publisher: American Physical Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 91
• Issue: 2
• Article Number: 025022
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.91.025022
• Keywords: cosmic strings, string theory, string junctions
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/743150
• Publisher URL: http://journals.aps.org/prd/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevD.91.025022