Year: 2022
Type: article
Abstract: Active nematics can be modeled using phenomenological continuum theories that account for the dynamics of the nematic director and fluid velocity through partial differential equations (PDEs). While these models provide a statistical description of the experiments, the relevant terms in the PDEs and their parameters are usually identified indirectly. We adapt a recently developed method to automatically identify optimal continuum models for active nematics directly from spatiotemporal data, via sparse regression of the coarse-grained fields onto generic low order PDEs. After extensive benchmarking, we apply the method to experiments with microtubule-based active nematics, finding a surprisingly minimal description of the system. Our approach can be generalized to gain insights into active gels, microswimmers, and diverse other experimental active matter systems.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Authors: Chaitanya Joshi, Sattvic Ray, Linnea M. Lemma, Minu Varghese, Graham Sharp, Zvonimir Dogic, Aparna Baskaran, Michael F. Hagan
Language: English
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4313259737