Colloids in two-dimensional active nematics: conformal cogs and controllable spontaneous rotation

Houston, A. J.H. and Alexander, G. P. (2023) Colloids in two-dimensional active nematics: conformal cogs and controllable spontaneous rotation. New Journal of Physics, 25(12), 123006. (doi: 10.1088/1367-2630/ad0acf)

Abstract

A major challenge in the study of active systems is to harness their non-equilibrium dynamics into useful work. We address this by showing how to design colloids with controllable spontaneous propulsion or rotation when immersed in active nematics. This is illustrated for discs with tilted anchoring and chiral cogs, for which we determine the nematic director through conformal mappings. Our analysis identifies two regimes of behaviour for chiral cogs: orientation-dependent handedness and persistent active rotation. Finally, we provide design principles for active nematic colloids to achieve desired rotational dynamics.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the UK EPSRC through Grant No. EP/N509796/1.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Houston, Dr Alexander
• Authors: Houston, A. J.H., and Alexander, G. P.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Mathematics
• Journal Name: New Journal of Physics
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• ISSN: 1367-2630
• ISSN (Online): 1367-2630
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in New Journal of Physics 25:123006
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence