Active nematodynamics on deformable surfaces

TL;DR

This paper develops a thermodynamically consistent model for active nematodynamics on deformable surfaces, revealing how active forces at topological defects influence surface evolution and morphogenesis.

Contribution

It introduces an extended surface Beris-Edwards model incorporating nematic activity and analyzes defect-induced forces on curved surfaces.

Findings

Active nematic forces affect defect behavior on curved surfaces.

Topological defects contribute both tangential and normal forces.

Surface curvature influences defect activity and surface evolution.

Abstract

We consider active nematodynamics on deformable surfaces. Based on a thermodynamically consistent surface Beris-Edwards model we add nematic activity and focus on the emerging additional coupling mechanism between the nematic field, the flow field and the curved surface. We analyse the impact of the active nematic force at topological defects. Under the presence of curvature all defects become active and contribute not only tangential forces but also normal forces. This confirms the proposed role of topological defects in surface evolution and provides the basis for a dynamic description of morphogenetic processes.