We reexamine previous observations of folding kinetics of compressed lipid monolayers in light of the accepted mechanical buckling mechanism recently proposed by L. Pocivavsek et al. [Science 320, 912 (2008)]. Using simple models, we set conservative limits on (a) the energy released in the mechanical buckling process and (b) the kinetic energy entailed by the observed folding motion. These limits imply a kinetic energy at least 30 times greater than the energy supplied by the buckling instability. We discuss possible extensions of the accepted picture that might resolve this discrepancy.

• Received 8 April 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.88.022405