Dynamical patterns in nematic active matter on a sphere

Silke Henkes, M. Cristina Marchetti, and Rastko Sknepnek
Phys. Rev. E 97, 042605 – Published 16 April 2018
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Abstract

Using simulations of self-propelled agents with short-range repulsion and nematic alignment, we explore the dynamical phases of a dense active nematic confined to the surface of a sphere. We map the nonequilibrium phase diagram as a function of curvature, alignment strength, and activity. Our model reproduces several phases seen in recent experiments on active microtubule bundles confined the surfaces of vesicles. At low driving, we recover the equilibrium nematic ground state with four +1/2 defects. As the driving is increased, geodesic forces drive the transition to a polar band wrapping around an equator, with large empty spherical caps corresponding to two +1 defects at the poles. Upon further increasing activity, the bands fold onto themselves, and the system eventually transitions to a turbulent state marked by the proliferation of pairs of topological defects. We highlight the key role of the nematic persistence length in controlling pattern formation in these confined systems with positive Gaussian curvature.

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  • Received 16 May 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.97.042605

©2018 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Polymers & Soft Matter

Authors & Affiliations

Silke Henkes1,*, M. Cristina Marchetti2,†, and Rastko Sknepnek3,‡

  • 1Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology, Department of Physics, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, United Kingdom
  • 2Department of Physics and Soft Matter Program, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA
  • 3School of Sciences and Engineering and School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN, United Kingdom

  • *shenkes@abdn.ac.uk
  • mcmarche@syr.edu
  • r.sknepnek@dundee.ac.uk

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Issue

Vol. 97, Iss. 4 — April 2018

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