Curvature-controlled defect dynamics in active systems

Abstract

We have studied the collective motion of polar active particles confined to ellipsoidal surfaces. The geometric constraints lead to the formation of vortices that encircle surface points of constant curvature (umbilics). We have found that collective motion patterns are particularly rich on ellipsoids, with four umbilics where vortices tend to be located near pairs of umbilical points to minimize their interaction energy. Our results provide a new perspective on the migration of living cells, which most likely use the information provided from the curved substrate geometry to guide their collective motion.

arXiv commentAccepted manuscript. 8 pages, 7 Figures. Movies of the motion patterns can be found at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEsE7_tnqXZ_U258VwxES8KAJTV_eO43h

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Cited by in corpus (7)

• Dynamical patterns in active nematics on a sphere
• Aging and rejuvenation of active matter under topological constraints
• Active motion on curved surfaces
• Optimal navigation strategies for microswimmers on curved manifolds
• Curvature-controlled defect dynamics in active systems
• Active Filaments on Curved Surfaces: From Single Filaments to Dilute Suspensions
• A geometric framework for curvature-dependent collective behavior of polar active agents on curved surfaces