Thermal membrane undulation
= Thermal membrane undulation
= Helfrich membrane energy
{c}
{synonym}
A <thermal membrane undulation> is a shape fluctuation excited by thermal <energy>. In a planar membrane, a Fourier mode has stiffness $k_cq^4+\sigma q^2$, so tension suppresses long-wavelength excess <area> while bending suppresses short <wavelengths>.