Tuning Steady Shear Rheology through Active Dopants
Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 168302 – Published 16 October, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/qvr9-rvw4
Abstract
We numerically investigate the steady shear rheology of mixtures of active and passive Brownian particles, with varying fractions of active components. We find that even a small fraction of active dopants triggers fluidization with comparable efficiency to fully active systems. A combined parameter, active energy, given by the dopant fraction multiplied by the propulsion speed squared controls the steady shear rheology and glass transition of the active-passive mixtures. These results together provide a quantitative strategy for fine-tuning the mechanical properties of a soft material with small amounts of active dopants.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
- Fluctuations & noise
- Glass transition
- Granular mixing
- Mechanical & acoustical properties
- Phase behavior
- Rheology
- Shear deformation
- Stress
- Active Brownian particles
- Colloidal glass
- Dry active matter
- Glasses
- Glassy systems
- Granular fluids
- Living matter & active matter
- Self-propelled particles
- Shear thinning
- Viscosity
- Brownian dynamics
