Active elastocapillarity in soft solids with negative surface tension

TL;DR

This paper introduces a continuum theory and simulations for 3D active soft solids with active boundary stresses, revealing new phenomena like shape transitions, wave modifications, and a universal critical point, enabling advanced shape programming.

Contribution

It develops a novel theoretical framework for active elastocapillarity in 3D solids, demonstrating control of shape transitions and wave behavior through active boundary stresses.

Findings

Bulk elasticity controls shape snap-through transitions.

Active boundary stresses can induce negative group velocities.

A universal critical point classifies shape transitions.

Abstract

Active solids consume energy to allow for actuation, shape change, and wave propagation not possible in equilibrium. Whereas active interfaces have been realized across many experimental systems, control of three-dimensional (3D) bulk materials remains a challenge. Here, we develop continuum theory and microscopic simulations that describe a 3D soft solid whose boundary experiences active surface stresses. The competition between active boundary and elastic bulk yields a broad range of previously unexplored phenomena, which are demonstrations of so-called active elastocapillarity. In contrast to thin shells and vesicles, we discover that bulk 3D elasticity controls snap-through transitions between different anisotropic shapes. These transitions meet at a critical point, allowing a universal classification via Landau theory. The active surface modifies elastic wave propagation to allow zero, or even negative, group velocities. These phenomena offer robust principles for programming shape change and functionality into active solids, from robotic metamaterials down to shape-shifting nanoparticles.