Work

Rectified Rotational Dynamics of Mobile Inclusions in Two-Dimensional Active Nematics

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate the dynamics of mobile inclusions embedded in 2D active nematics. The interplay between the inclusion shape, boundary-induced nematic order, and autonomous flows powers the inclusion motion. Disks and achiral gears exhibit unbiased rotational motion, but with distinct dynamics. In comparison, chiral gear-shaped inclusions exhibit long-term rectified rotation, which is correlated with dynamics and polarization of nearby +1/2 topological defects. The chirality of defect polarities and the active nematic texture around the inclusion correlate with the inclusion's instantaneous rotation rate. Inclusions provide a promising tool for probing the rheological properties of active nematics and extracting ordered motion from their inherently chaotic motion.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.238301

Authors: Sattvic Ray, Jie Zhang, Zvonimir Dogic

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, University of Science and Technology of China

Language: English

Topic: Liquid Crystal Research Advancements

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences

Award: MICROTUBULE-BASED THREE DIMENSIONAL ACTIVE MATTER