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Scaling Laws for Passive Polymer Dynamics in Active Turbulence

Zahra K. Valei and Tyler N. Shendruk

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 138301 – Published 24 September, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/w3gp-knnp

Abstract

Biological systems commonly combine intrinsically out-of-equilibrium active components with passive polymeric inclusions to produce unique material properties. To explore these composite systems, idealized models—such as polymers in active fluids—are essential to develop a predictive theoretical framework. We simulate a single, freely jointed passive chain in two-dimensional active turbulence. Active flows advect the polymer, producing a substantially enhanced diffusivity. Our results reveal that the dimensionless diffusivity obeys scaling laws governed by the Péclet, Weissenberg, and Ericksen numbers, which paves the way for designing active/polymeric hybrid materials with predictable properties that differ significantly from those of nondeformable inclusions.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 138301– Published 24 September, 2025
  • Received 27 February 2025
  • Accepted 15 August 2025
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