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Shape-Shifting Droplet Networks

T. Zhang, Duanduan Wan, J. M. Schwarz, and M. J. Bowick
Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 108301 – Published 9 March 2016
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Abstract

We consider a three-dimensional network of aqueous droplets joined by single lipid bilayers to form a cohesive, tissuelike material. The droplets in these networks can be programed to have distinct osmolarities so that osmotic gradients generate internal stresses via local fluid flows to cause the network to change shape. We discover, using molecular dynamics simulations, a reversible folding-unfolding process by adding an osmotic interaction with the surrounding environment which necessarily evolves dynamically as the shape of the network changes. This discovery is the next important step towards osmotic robotics in this system. We also explore analytically and numerically how the networks become faceted via buckling and how quasi-one-dimensional networks become three dimensional.

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  • Received 12 May 2015

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.108301

© 2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

  1. Research Areas
Fluid DynamicsPolymers & Soft Matter

Synopsis

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Shape Shifting Water Droplets

Published 9 March 2016

Sheets of liquid droplets can spontaneously and reversibly change their shape.

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Authors & Affiliations

T. Zhang*, Duanduan Wan, J. M. Schwarz, and M. J. Bowick

  • Soft Matter Program and Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NewYork 13244, USA

  • *tzhang13@syr.edu
  • mjbowick@syr.edu

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Issue

Vol. 116, Iss. 10 — 11 March 2016

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