Curvature controlled defect dynamics in topological active nematics

Datum

02.11.2017

Zeit

15:00 - 15:30

Sprecher

Francesco Alaimo

Zugehörigkeit

TUD

Sprache

en

Hauptthema

Physik

Andere Themen

Physik

Beschreibung

We study the spatiotemporal patterns that emerge when an active nematic film is topologically constraint. These topological constraints allow to control the non-equilibrium dynamics of the active system. We consider ellipsoidal shapes for which the resulting defects are 1/2 disclinations and analyze the relation between their location and dynamics and local geometric properties of the ellipsoid. We highlight two dynamic modes: a tunable periodic state that oscillates between two defect configurations on a spherical shape and a tunable rotating state for oblate spheroids. We further demonstrate the relation between defects and high Gaussian curvature and umbilical points and point out limits for a coarse-grained description of defects as self-propelled particles.

Letztmalig verändert: 02.11.2017, 08:48:16