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 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.
- Received 13 January 2023
- Accepted 14 April 2023
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.130.238301
© 2023 American Physical Society
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Focus
Active Matter Turns Pinwheels
Published 9 June 2023
The chaotic motion in a fluid of microscopic, actively moving rods can be harnessed to drive the rotation of a small propeller-like object.
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