Work

Reentrant Rigidity Transition in Planar Epithelia with Volume and Area Elasticity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We find a reentrant columnar-to-squamous rigidity transition in three-dimensional (3D) epithelia, governed by volume and area elasticity. Our model maps to the classic 2D area- and perimeter-elasticity model but, unlike its 2D counterpart, shows compression-induced softening or stiffening, depending on the initial state. The phase diagram reveals floppy states with vanishing shear and in-plane bulk moduli, alongside a lateral-tension-driven discontinuous columnar-to-squamous transition. The critical behavior underlying the emergence of the reentrant transition belongs to the mean-field universality class.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/ky2j-5nwx

Authors: Tanmoy Sarkar, Matej Krajnc

Institutions: Jožef Stefan Institute, Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,750

Funders: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS