Surface Perturbations Research Articles

Perturbation-Induced Protective Arm Responses: Effect of Age, Perturbation-Intensity, and Relationship with Stepping Stability: A Pilot Study.

During balance recovery from slip perturbations, forward flexion (elevation) of the arms serves to counterbalance the posteriorly displaced center of mass (CoM). We aimed to investigate whether aging affects modulation of arm responses to various intensities of unpredictable slip perturbations and whether arm responses are related to compensatory stepping stability. Ten healthy young adults and ten healthy older adults participated. Participants were asked to react naturally to three randomly administered levels of slip-like surface perturbations (intensity 1 (7.75 m/s2), intensity 2 (12.00 m/s2) and intensity 3 (16.75 m/s2), which occurred by means of forward acceleration of the treadmill belt while standing. Kinematic data were collected using a motion capture system. Outcomes included arm elevation displacement, velocity, and margin of stability (MoS) of compensatory stepping. The results reveal no modulation of arm elevation velocity in older adults from perturbation intensity 1 to 2, whereas younger adults demonstrated progressive increases from intensity 1 to 2 to 3. At intensity 3, older adults demonstrated reduced maximal arm elevation velocity compared to younger adults (p = 0.02). The results in both groups combined reveal a positive correlation between maximal arm elevation velocity and first compensatory step MoS at intensity 3 (p = 0.01). Together, these findings indicate age-related decreases in arm response modulation and the association of arm elevation response with protective stepping stability, suggesting that fall prevention interventions may benefit from an emphasis on arm elevation velocity control in response to greater perturbation intensities.

Covalent Organic Frameworks: Chemistry of Pore Interface and Wall Surface Perturbation and Impact on Functions

ConspectusPorous structures are ubiquitous, discovered in nature ranging from biological channels in animals and plants to various pores in sediments and minerals and playing vital roles in maintaining biological activities and ecosystems. Synthetic pores have been known for over 100 years and currently continue to be a central subject in the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science, and technology. A fundamental key issue is how to develop specific functions with pores. Pores are determined by three parameters, including pore shape, size, and environment; how to design these parameters in a controlled manner is a key subject. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a distinct class of crystalline porous polymers as they combine covalent and noncovalent chemistries to result in long-range-ordered polygonal skeletons and discrete pores. The topological diagram─the principle for designing COFs─enables the predesign of not only skeletons but also pores, offering a powerful molecular platform for constructing tailor-made organic/polymeric materials. Over the past decade, progress in chemistry has greatly enhanced our capability to synthesize COFs to achieve different structures. Especially, the pores in COFs are constructed with lightweight elements, covalent bonds, and organic components, which offer numerous combinations to design and synthesize pore shapes, sizes, and interfaces. These parameters control the interplay with guest molecules and ions to determine the property and function of pores. Among various synthetic porous materials, COFs are unique in that these pore parameters are topologically designable and synthetically controllable. Two complementary strategies, i.e., topology diagram and pore surface engineering, have been developed for pore chemistry, in which the first one emphasizes the in situ approach to design and control pores and the second one highlights the postsynthetic way to tune the pore structures finely yet precisely. These two different chemistries offer individual ways to explore different pores, properties, and functional materials and systems. Looking at the features of COFs, a basic common structure of the pores is the well-defined pore interface, which is constituted by aligned surface atoms and side units at a proximate distance along the pore long-axial direction and distributed periodically over the pores. These features of pore interfaces are specific to COFs and predetermine their functions. In this Account, we scrutinize the chemistry of pore interfaces by focusing on the pore shape, pore size, and aligned atoms and units on pore walls to design unique properties and functions. We highlight pore wall perturbation with surface atoms and side units to demonstrate their decisive roles in structural formation and functional expression. We summarize perspectives, key issues to be addressed, and opportunities with the aim of showing a promising way to next-stage materials and functional designs.

Weakly nonlinear incompressible Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in plane geometry

A weakly nonlinear (WN) theoretical model for the two-dimensional incompressible Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) is proposed. Its solution form is the complete expansion in real space. The transition from linear to nonlinear growth is analytically studied via third-order solutions of plane KHI initiated by a single-mode surface perturbation. The difference between the WN growth of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) in plane geometry and the WN growth of the KHI in plane geometry is discussed. It is found that there are resonance solutions in the higher harmonics of KHI but not in RTI. The vertex of spikes and bubbles is deflected because of the shearing effect in KHI compared with that in RTI. The spike velocity increases with the Atwood number before a particular time and then inversely after that time. There is no such reversal in RTI. However, the bubble velocity with the Atwood number of KHI has the same evolution rule as that of RTI. In addition to the influence of initial perturbation on the nonlinear saturation amplitude, the influence of Atwood number on the nonlinear saturation amplitude of the fundamental mode is obtained. Finally, compared with the numerical simulations, at the same initial conditions, the analytical solutions up to the third harmonics are well consistent with the simulated datum in the linear and weakly nonlinear stages for a widely varied Atwood number.

Anticipatory and Compensatory Postural Adjustments in Response to Dynamic Platform Perturbation during a Forward Step

We investigated the generation of anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory postural adjustments (CPAs) in preparation for a step during support surface perturbation. Changes in anticipatory muscle activation in the trunk segment were predominantly in the co-contraction indices from −600 t 0 −400 ms to foot-off. Reciprocal indices of the shank muscles were pronounced in the APA intervals. During the CPA intervals, larger reciprocal muscle activities were detected compared to the APA intervals. The results showed subjects co-varied the reciprocal and co-contraction activations in postural muscles to counteract the perturbation and generate mechanical effects sufficient for stepping during the APA and CPA intervals. This study enhances our understanding of the interaction between the APAs and CPAs in balance maintenance.

Retraction of thin films coated by insoluble surfactants

We investigate the retraction of a circular thin film coated with insoluble surfactants, which is punctured at its centre. We assume that the surface pressure of the liquid–gas interface is related to the number density of surfactants through a linear equation of state, which is characterized by a single parameter: the Gibbs dilation modulus. To solve the governing equations and track the deformation of the domain, we use the finite element method with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approach where the film surface is sharp. Our simulations show that the surface elasticity introduced by the surfactants slows down the retraction and introduces oscillations at early times. In agreement with previous experiments and theoretical analysis, we find that the presence of surfactants introduces perturbations of the film thickness over progressively larger distances as the surface elasticity increases. The surface perturbations travel faster than the retracting edge of the film at a speed proportional to the Gibbs modulus. For large values of the Gibbs modulus, the interface behaviour approaches that of an incompressible two-dimensional solid. Our analysis sheds light on the effect of insoluble surfactants on the opening of a circular hole in a thin film and can be extended to investigate the onset of surface cracks and fractures.

Increased co-contraction reaction during a surface perturbation is associated with unsuccessful postural control among older adults

BackgroundAs a strategy to maintain postural control, the stiffening strategy (agonist-antagonist co-contractions) is often considered dysfunctional and associated with poor physical capacity. The aim was to investigate whether increased stiffening is associated with unsuccessful postural control during an unpredictable surface perturbation, and which sensory and motor variables that explain postural stiffening.MethodsA sample of 34 older adults, 75.8 ± 3.8 years, was subjected to an unpredicted surface perturbation with the postural task to keep a feet-in-place strategy. The participants also completed a thorough sensory- and motor test protocol. During the surface perturbation, electromyography was measured from tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius to further calculate a co-contraction index during the feed-forward and feedback period. A binary logistic regression was done with the nominal variable, if the participant succeeded in the postural task or not, set as dependent variable and the co-contraction indexes set as independent variables. Further, the variables from the sensory and motor testing were set as independent variables in two separate Orthogonal Projections of Latent Structures (OPLS)-models, one with the feed-forward- and the other with the feedback co-contraction index as dependent variable.ResultsHigher levels of ankle joint stiffening during the feedback, but not the feed-forward period was associated with postural task failure. Feedback stiffening was explained by having slow non-postural reaction times, poor leg muscle strength and being female whereas feed-forward stiffening was not explained by sensory and motor variables.ConclusionsWhen subjected to an unpredicted surface perturbation, individuals with higher feedback stiffening had poorer postural control outcome, which was explained by poorer physical capacity. The level of feed-forward stiffening prior the perturbation was not associated with postural control outcome nor the investigated sensory and motor variables. The intricate causal relationships between physical capacity, stiffening and postural task success remains subject for future research.

Modal formulation and paraxial approximation for acoustic wave propagation in waveguides with surface perturbations.

We propose a modal approach developed in the framework of the paraxial approximation to investigate the effects of deterministic surface perturbations in a planar waveguide. In the first part, the sensitivity of the modal amplitudes is theoretically formulated for a three-dimensional perturbation at the air-water interface. When applied to a broadband ultrasonic signal in a laboratory tank experiment, this approach results in travel-time and amplitude fluctuations that are successfully compared to experimental data recorded between two vertical source-receiver arrays that span the ultrasonic waveguide. The nonlinear shape of the modal amplitude fluctuations is of particular interest and is due to the three-dimensional nature of the surface perturbation. In the second part, a time-harmonic inversion method is built in the paraxial single-scattering approximation to image the dynamic surface perturbation from the modal transmission matrix between two source-receiver arrays. Again, the inversion results for capillary-gravity surface perturbations are successfully compared to similar inversions performed from experimental data processed with a complete set of eigenbeams extracted between the two arrays.

A spectral model generalising the surface perturbations from leading edge erosion and its application in CFD

Blade leading edge erosion (LEE) is a major cost driver in the wind energy sector. LEE is caused by the environmental conditions under which the blades operate. The impact energy of the airborne particles striking the leading edge determines the speed of erosion, thus LEE severity grows towards the blade tip and with a turbine’s tip speed. Currently there is no established method for assessing the aerodynamic impact of LEE, either numerically or experimentally caused by a lack of erosion topological data and its stochastic nature. Whilst previous studies investigated specific realisations of real-world erosion—modelling roughness, gouges, pinholes etc.—we propose a novel, reproducible representation of erosion, based on the superposition of waves with different frequencies and directions of propagation. Using lidar surface scans of a LE exposed to a rain erosion test, we demonstrate the possibility of representing surface perturbations from erosion by a simple spectrum, thereby allowing the mathematical representation of eroded surfaces. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the spectral model simplifies the analysis of LEE-affected aerofoils in CFD. Our study thus encompasses the workflow from rain erosion test → surface scan → spectral perturbation model → numerical erosion generation → 2D CFD → performance loss statistics.

Plasma-enhanced elemental enrichment of liquid metal interfaces: Towards realization of GaS nanodomains in two-dimensional Ga2O3

Atomic-scale incorporation of elemental impurities into two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors is a significant step towards tailoring novel 2D materials in functional electronics. Here, the elemental functionalization of 2D surface oxide films of gallium-indium (EGaIn) liquid alloy is achieved through plasma-enhanced metal-catalyst-assisted dissociation of H2S on EGaIn surface. The electronic properties of EGaIn/2D Ga2O3 heterointerfaces were considerably altered after surface functionalization. The in-situ material characterizations confirmed the successful dissociation of H2S gas on the surface of EGaIn alloy. Furthermore, material characterizations showed the growth of crystalline domains of GaS inside of Ga2O3 amorphous structure. Consequently, lateral 2D heterointerfaces were developed between amorphous Ga2O3 and crystalline GaS. Comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the combined mechanisms of valence change and electrochemical metallization were engaged in bipolar resistive switching dynamics of functionalized 2D oxide films The considerable increase of high-resistance switching current from 10−15 A to 10−9 A was observed after functionalization of 2D heterointerfaces. The comprehensive studies by conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) demonstrated the surface perturbation of liquid metal interfaces, caused by electrochemical metallization process during resistive switching. The voltage-dependent self-rectifying characteristics and non-Ohmic to Ohmic transition were additionally observed owning to the development of heterointerfaces between the liquid metal and 2D Ga2O3 film.

Simulation of Thermal Surface Waves in a Protoplanetary Disk in 1+1D Approximation

Heating by the central star is one of the key factors determining the physical structure of protoplanetary disks. Due to the large optical thickness in the radial direction, disk midplane regions are heated by the infrared radiation from the disk surface (atmosphere), which in turn is directly heated by the star. It was previously shown that interception of the stellar radiation by inhomogeneities on the disk surface can cause perturbations that propagate towards the star. In this work, we investigate the occurrence of such waves within a detailed 1+1D numerical model of the protoplanetary disk. We confirm the previous findings that in the disk, that is optically thick to its own radiation, the surface perturbations indeed occur and propagate towards the star. However, contrary to some analytical predictions, the thermal waves in sufficiently massive disks affect only the upper layers without significant fluctuations of temperature in the midplane. Our results indicate the need to study this instability within more consistent hydrodynamic models.

Elucidating size effects on the yield strength of single-crystal Cu via the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability

Capturing the dynamic response of a material under high strain-rate deformation often demands challenging and time consuming experimental effort. While shock hydrodynamic simulation methods can aid in this area, a priori characterizations of the material strength under shock loading and spall failure are needed in order to parameterize constitutive models needed for these computational tools. Moreover, parameterizations of strain-rate-dependent strength models are needed to capture the full suite of Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) behavior of shock compressed metals, creating an unrealistic demand for these training data solely on experiments. Herein, we sweep a large range of geometric, crystallographic, and shock conditions within molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and demonstrate the breadth of RMI in Cu that can be captured from the atomic scale. Yield strength measurements from jetted and arrested material from a sinusoidal surface perturbation were quantified as YRMI=0.787±0.374 GPa, higher than strain-rate-independent models used in experimentally matched hydrodynamic simulations. Defect-free, single-crystal Cu samples used in MD will overestimate YRMI, but the drastic scale difference between experiment and MD is highlighted by high confidence neighborhood clustering predictions of RMI characterizations, yielding incorrect classifications.

МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ТЕПЛОВЫХ ПОВЕРХНОСТНЫХ ВОЛН В ПРОТОПЛАНЕТНОМ ДИСКЕ В 1+1D ПРИБЛИЖЕНИИ

Heating by the central star is one of the key factors determining the physical structure of protoplanetary disks. Due to the large optical thickness in the radial direction, disk midplane regions are heated by the infrared radiation from the disk surface (atmosphere), which in turn is directly heated by the star. It was previously shown that interception of the stellar radiation by inhomogeneities on the disk surface can cause perturbations that propagate towards the star. In this work, we investigate the occurrence of such waves within a detailed 1+1D numerical model of the protoplanetary disk. We confirm the previous findings that in the disk, that is optically thick to its own radiation, the surface perturbations indeed occur and propagate towards the star. However, contrary to some analytical predictions, the thermal waves in sufficiently massive disks affect only the upper layers without significant fluctuations of temperature in the midplane. Our results indicate the need to study this instability within more consistent hydrodynamic models.

Impacts of New Implementing Strategies for Surface and Model Physics Perturbations in TREPS on Forecasts of Landfalling Tropical Cyclones

To improve the ensemble prediction system of the tropical regional atmosphere model for the South China Sea (TREPS) in predicting landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs), the impacts of three new implementing strategies for surface and model physics perturbations in TREPS were evaluated for 19 TCs making landfall in China during 2014–16. For sea surface temperature (SST) perturbations, spatially uncorrelated random perturbations were replaced with spatially correlated ones. The multiplier f, which is used to form perturbed tendency in the Stochastically Perturbed Parameterization Tendency (SPPT) scheme, was inflated in regions with evident convective activity (f-inflated SPPT). Lastly, the Stochastically Perturbed Parameterization (SPP) scheme with 14 perturbed parameters selected from the planetary boundary layer, surface layer, microphysics, and cumulus convection parameterizations was added. Overall, all these methods improved forecasts more significantly for non-intensifying than intensifying TCs. Compared with f-inflated SPPT, the spatially correlated SST perturbations generally showed comparable performance but were more (less) skillful for intensifying (non-intensifying) TCs. The advantages of the spatially correlated SST perturbations and f-inflated SPPT were mainly present in the deterministic guidance for both TC track and wind and in the probabilistic guidance for reliability of wind. For intensifying TCs, adding SPP led to mixed impacts with significant improvements in probability-matched mean of modest winds and in probabilistic forecasts of rainfall; while for non-intensifying TCs, adding SPP frequently led to positive impacts on the deterministic guidance for track, intensity, strong winds, and moderate rainfall and on the probabilistic guidance for wind and discrimination of rainfall.

MadR mediates acyl CoA-dependent regulation of mycolic acid desaturation in mycobacteria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has a lipid-rich cell envelope that is remodeled throughout infection to enable adaptation within the host. Few transcriptional regulators have been characterized that coordinate synthesis of mycolic acids, the major cell wall lipids of mycobacteria. Here, we show that the mycolic acid desaturase regulator (MadR), a transcriptional repressor of the mycolate desaturase genes desA1 and desA2, controls mycolic acid desaturation and biosynthesis in response to cell envelope stress. A madR-null mutant of M. smegmatis exhibited traits of an impaired cell wall with an altered outer mycomembrane, accumulation of a desaturated α-mycolate, susceptibility to antimycobacterials, and cell surface disruption. Transcriptomic profiling showed that enriched lipid metabolism genes that were significantly down-regulated upon madR deletion included acyl-coenzyme A (aceyl-CoA) dehydrogenases, implicating it in the indirect control of β-oxidation pathways. Electromobility shift assays and binding affinities suggest a unique acyl-CoA pool-sensing mechanism, whereby MadR is able to bind a range of acyl-CoAs, including those with unsaturated as well as saturated acyl chains. MadR repression of desA1/desA2 is relieved upon binding of saturated acyl-CoAs of chain length C16 to C24, while no impact is observed upon binding of shorter chain and unsaturated acyl-CoAs. We propose this mechanism of regulation as distinct to other mycolic acid and fatty acid synthesis regulators and place MadR as the key regulatory checkpoint that coordinates mycolic acid remodeling during infection in response to host-derived cell surface perturbation.

Effect of free surface perturbation on fully developed smooth open channel flow

Light floater boards are commonly used in open channel flow studies to reduce free surface disturbances. However, the shear layer generated from the surface of the floaters, which has not been considered in previous research, may have unintended effects, and can alter the downstream flow characteristics. This aspect is investigated using particle image velocimetry at Reynolds number of 35,100 by varying the perturbation caused by the floaters. With the perturbation, the mean velocity profiles show a dip and the Reynolds shear stress becomes negative near the free surface. It is shown that, due to perturbations caused by ejections and sweeps of the inverted shear layer at the floater bottom surface, the joint probability density function of velocity fluctuations near the free surface shifts from ejections and sweeps to outward and inward interactions. The data indicate that the shear penetrates deeper into the flow towards the bed with increase in perturbation.

The effect of a frontal plane gait perturbation bout on knee biomechanics and muscle activation in older adults and individuals with knee osteoarthritis

BackgroundWalking can be a challenging task for individuals with knee osteoarthritis and many older adults. The purpose was to determine the immediate effect of a frontal plane perturbation bout during walking on knee biomechanics and muscle activation patterns in these groups. Methods44 asymptomatic older adults and 32 individuals with knee osteoarthritis were recruited. Sagittal and frontal plane knee biomechanics and muscle activation levels were calculated and recorded during treadmill walking. After a baseline collection at 6-min, a random series of unexpected medial/lateral walkway surface perturbations were delivered over approximately 24 min. Data was collected immediately after the perturbations. Discrete measures extracted from biomechanical waveforms, and principal component analysis to analyze muscle activation were utilized to determine time effects and interactions using analysis of variance models (alpha = 0.05). FindingsAfter the perturbation bout, sagittal plane range of motion was significantly increased in the osteoarthritis group (Effect Size = 0.24) and in both groups peak knee adduction moment (Effect Size = 0.10) and difference between peak flexion and extension moments (Effect Size = 0.16) were significantly increased. Muscle amplitudes in both groups were significantly reduced (PP1-scores) after perturbation bout, whereas significant time-based gait cycle activation pattern alterations identified by PP2- and PP3-scores were related to group and muscle assignment. InterpretationPerturbations were tolerated by all participants, resulting in significant alterations to biomechanical outcomes and muscle activation levels and patterns. Demand on the knee joint was not increased after perturbations. Gait perturbation training in these groups may be feasible using a frontal plane perturbation bout.

Jetting onset on a liquid surface accelerated past a submerged cylinder

A novel experiment is presented to study the initial disturbances on a free surface due to the constant acceleration of liquid around a submerged obstacle. The surface response to different obstacle sizes, initial surface heights and fluid velocities is measured using high-speed videography. Perturbations observed on the surface are classified into either jetting or gravity waves by measuring the steepness of growing liquid columns. A classification phase map between these two regimes is obtained and compared with analytical results by Martín Pardo and Nedić (2021). The agreement between decision boundaries is good for high Froude numbers (high fluid velocities) but deteriorates at lower velocities, where viscosity and surface tension effects (not considered in the analytical model) have a greater predominance. The surface profile and perturbation amplitude measured in experiments are also compared against this analytical model. In all cases, the model accurately predicts the corresponding experimental results at the beginning of the motion, but the prediction error increases with time. It is also observed that faster moving surfaces that lead to the onset of jetting have greater prediction accuracies and longer validity times of the predictions.

Insights into the mode of action of the two-peptide lantibiotic lichenicidin

Lantibiotics are promising candidates to address the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance. They belong to a class of natural compounds exhibiting strong activity against clinically relevant Gram-positive bacterial strains, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Lichenicidin is a class II two-peptide lantibiotic. The presence of the two mature peptides, Bliα and Bliβ, is necessary for full activity against target bacteria. This work aims at clarifying the synergistic activity of both peptides in their interaction with the target membranes. The effect of lichenicidin was tested against S. aureus cells and large unilamellar vesicles. Lichenicidin increases the net surface charge of S. aureus, as shown by zeta-potential measurements, without reaching electroneutralization. In addition, lichenicidin causes cell surface perturbations that culminate in the leakage of its internal contents, as observed by atomic force microscopy. Bliα seems to have low affinity for S. aureus, however, it contributes to increase the affinity of Bliβ, because together they present higher affinity than separately. In contrast, Bliα seems to provide an anchoring site for lichenicidin in lipid II-containing membranes. Interestingly, Bliβ alone can induce high levels of membrane leakage, but this effect appears to be faster in the presence of Bliα. Based on this information, we propose a mechanism of action of lichenicidin.

Assessing the impact of dual-task reactive step practice in people with Parkinson's disease: A feasibility study.

Reactive stepping is impaired in people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) but can be improved with training. However, it is unclear if reactive steps can be improved when performing a concurrent cognitive task, a common and fall-relevant circumstance. We assessed the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of dual-task reactive step training. Specifically, we measured whether stepping and cognitive reaction time are improved after one day of dual-task reactive step practice and if improvements are retained 24h later. Sixteen people with PD and 13 age-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent repeated from-stance support surface perturbations that elicited a reactive step while performing an auditory Stroop task. Participants returned the following day to reassess dual-task reactive stepping performance. Cognitive, neuromuscular, and stepping outcomes were calculated. Increased step lengths were observed for both groups after practice (p<0.001). Cognitive reaction times also improved through practice; however, this was more pronounced in the HC group (group by time interaction- p<0.001). No changes were observed for step latency, margin of stability, or EMG onset through practice. Step length and cognitive reaction time improvements were retained 24h after practice in both groups (step length: p<0.001; cognitive reaction time: p=0.05). This study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of dual-task reactive step training to improve step length in people with PD. The improvements in step length without compromising cognitive reaction times suggest that participants improved reactive stepping without a robust attention shift toward the postural task. Future research is necessary to determine optimal training protocols and determine if such training protocols impact falls in PD patients.

Onset of fuzz formation in plasma-facing tungsten as a surface morphological instability

Based on simulation results and theoretical analysis according to an atomistically informed continuum-scale model for the surface morphological response of tungsten plasma-facing component (PFC) in nuclear fusion devices, we demonstrate that the onset of the well-known surface nanostructure (known as ``fuzz'') formation in PFC tungsten is the outcome of a stress-induced surface morphological instability. Specifically, we show that formation and growth of nanotendrils emanating from the exposed surface of PFC tungsten, a precursor to fuzz formation, is caused by a long-wavelength surface morphological instability triggered by compressive stress in the PFC near-surface layer due to over-pressurized helium (He) bubbles forming in this near-surface region through implantation of low-energy He ions from the plasma. Using linear stability theory (LST), we predict the onset of surface growth in response to low-amplitude perturbations from a planar PFC surface morphology and calculate the average spacing between nanotendrils growing from the PFC surface, in excellent agreement with self-consistent dynamical simulations of surface morphological response according to the fully nonlinear surface evolution model starting with random fluctuations from the planar surface morphology that result in nanoscale surface roughness. In addition, we examine the morphological response of the PFC surface to low-amplitude perturbations of very long wavelengths from its planar morphology and interpret fully the simulation results on the basis of a weakly nonlinear tip-splitting instability theory, which predicts a post-instability nanotendril pattern formation with nanotendril separation consistent with the LST predictions regardless of the initial surface perturbation. Finally, we compare our simulation predictions for surface nanotendril growth with experimental measurements of fuzz layer growth on the exposed surface of PFC tungsten. Our simulation results are in very good agreement with the surface growth measurements at the early stages of fuzz growth, further establishing the onset of fuzz formation in PFC tungsten as the outcome of a stress-driven PFC surface morphological instability.