University of Cambridge > Talks.cam > Theory of Living Matter Group > Controlling an active nematic fluid with curvature and topology

Controlling an active nematic fluid with curvature and topology

Add to your list(s) Download to your calendar using vCal

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Dr. Adrien Hallou.

Active nematic liquid crystals are achieved experimentally by combining high concentrations of microtubules, kinesin and ATP . These active nematic suspensions can then be localized to a 2D interface, such as the surface of a water droplet suspended in another medium. We will discuss the distribution of topological defects within an active nematic liquid crystal confined to the surface of a toroidal water droplet. Due to the topology of the surface, it is possible to coat a torus in a nematic material with no topological defects. When the activity of the nematic is sufficiently high, topological defects will spontaneously form, but they must preserve the net topological charge of the system, which is zero. Through experiment and simulation we confirm that the local distribution of topological defects is proportional to the Gaussian curvature. As the activity of the system is increased the reliance on the Gaussian curvature is diminished and the available area on different regions of the torus dictates the behavior.

This talk is part of the Theory of Living Matter Group series.

Tell a friend about this talk:

This talk is included in these lists:

Note that ex-directory lists are not shown.

 

© 2006-2024 Talks.cam, University of Cambridge. Contact Us | Help and Documentation | Privacy and Publicity