Velocity Correlations in an Active Nematic

Sumesh P. Thampi, Ramin Golestanian, and Julia M. Yeomans
Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 118101 – Published 10 September 2013

Abstract

The flow properties of a continuum model for an active nematic are studied and compared with recent experiments on suspensions of microtubule bundles and molecular motors. The velocity correlation length is found to be independent of the strength of the activity while the characteristic velocity scale increases monotonically as the activity is increased, both in agreement with the experimental observations. We interpret our results in terms of the creation and annihilation dynamics of a gas of topological defects.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 27 February 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.111.118101

Published by the American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Sumesh P. Thampi, Ramin Golestanian, and Julia M. Yeomans

  • The Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics, 1 Keble Road, Oxford OX1 3NP, United Kingdom

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 111, Iss. 11 — 13 September 2013

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review Letters

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×