Thermodynamic Properties of a Simple Model of Like-Charged Attracting Rods

We study the thermodynamic properties of a simple model for the possible mechanism of attraction between like charged rod-like polyions inside a polyelectrolyte solution. We consider two polyions in parallel planes, with Z charges each, in a solution containing multivalent counterion of valence . The model is solved exactly for Z13 for a general angle between the rods and supposing that n counterions are condensed onto each polyion. The free energy has two minima, one at =0 (parallel rods) and another at =/2 (perpendicular rods). The stability of the parallel and perpendicular configurations is analyzed.