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arXiv · 2302.00153

Phase Separation Driven by Active Flows

Saraswat Bhattacharyya·Julia M. Yeomans
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Abstract

We extend the continuum theories of active nematohydrodynamics to model a two-fluid mixture with separate velocity fields for each fluid component, coupled through a viscous drag. The model is used to study an active nematic fluid, mixed with an isotropic fluid. We find micro-phase separation, and argue that this results from an interplay between active anchoring and active flows driven by concentration gradients. The results may be relevant to cell-sorting and the formation of lipid rafts in cell membranes.

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Saraswat Bhattacharyya, Julia M. Yeomans. 2023-08-01. Phase Separation Driven by Active Flows. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.130.238201

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