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Self-propulsive active nematics.

Niels de Graaf Sousa1, Simon Guldager Andersen1, Aleksandra Ardaševa1

  • 1Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Capital Region of Denmark 2100, Denmark.

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences
|September 11, 2025
PubMed
Summary

We developed a minimal model integrating self-propulsion into active nematics. This reveals how self-propulsion drives giant density fluctuations and long-range order, impacting collective behaviors in systems like cell layers.

Keywords:
active fluidsactive nematicsmotilityself-propulsion

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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Soft Matter Physics
  • Complex Systems

Background:

  • Active matter systems exhibit complex behaviors not fully captured by polar or nematic descriptions.
  • Mixed symmetry in active matter requires new theoretical frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a minimal model combining self-propulsion with the active nematic framework.
  • To investigate the dynamical effects of self-propulsion on active nematic systems.

Main Methods:

  • Linear stability analysis to predict dynamical shifts.
  • Numerical simulations to confirm theoretical predictions.
  • Analysis of topological defects, vorticity, and energy cascades.

Main Results:

  • Self-propulsion alters instability onset and induces anti-hyperuniform, giant density fluctuations of topological defects.
  • Anomalous long-range order in vorticity and non-universal energy cascades were observed.
  • Long-range order emerged within the active turbulence regime before flocking.

Conclusions:

  • Self-propulsion fundamentally alters active nematic dynamics, leading to novel collective behaviors.
  • A non-monotonic dependence of self-organization on self-propulsion was identified.
  • Findings offer insights into biological systems and design principles for synthetic active matter.