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Channel Flows of Deformable Nematics

Ioannis Hadjifrangiskou1, Sumesh P. Thampi1,2, and Julia M. Yeomans1

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 118202 – Published 10 September, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/9mx1-1hk8

Abstract

We describe channel flows in a continuum model of deformable nematic particles. In a simple shear flow, deformability leads to a nonlinear coupling of strain rate and vorticity, and results in shape oscillations or flow alignment. The final steady state can depend on initial conditions, and we explain this behavior by considering a phase space representation of the dynamics. In Poiseuille flow, particle deformability and nematic elasticity induce banding, where particles near the walls are aligned, and those near the center of the channel oscillate in direction and shape. Our results show that particle deformability can lead to complex behavior even in simple flows, suggesting new microfluidic experiments.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 118202– Published 10 September, 2025
  • Received 29 October 2024
  • Revised 12 May 2025
  • Accepted 25 August 2025
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Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.

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