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Viscoelastic confinement induces periodic flow reversals in active nematics

Abstract:
We use linear stability analysis and hybrid lattice Boltzmann simulations to study the dynamical behavior of an active nematic confined in a channel made of viscoelastic material. We find that the quiescent, ordered active nematic is unstable above a critical activity. The transition is to a steady flow state for high elasticity of the channel surroundings. However, below a threshold elastic modulus, the system produces spontaneous oscillations with periodic flow reversals. We provide a phase diagram that highlights the region where time-periodic oscillations are observed and explain how they are produced by the interplay of activity and viscoelasticity. Our results suggest experiments to study the role of viscoelastic confinement in the spatiotemporal organization and control of active matter.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1103/PhysRevE.108.064611

Authors


More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Physics
Sub department:
Theoretical Physics
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-5900-2487
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MPLS
Department:
Physics
Sub department:
Theoretical Physics
Oxford college:
St Hilda's College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-8268-5469
More by this author
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-8486-8653


Publisher:
American Physical Society
Journal:
Physical Review E More from this journal
Volume:
108
Issue:
6
Article number:
064611
Publication date:
2023-12-19
Acceptance date:
2023-11-22
DOI:
EISSN:
2470-0053
ISSN:
2470-0045


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1591824
Local pid:
pubs:1591824
Deposit date:
2024-01-09

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