Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.

We present numerical simulations of active fluid droplets immersed in an external fluid in 2-dimensions using an Immersed Boundary method to simulate the fluid droplet interface as a Lagrangian mesh. We present results from two example systems, firstly an active isotropic fluid boundary consisting o...

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Main Authors: Carl A Whitfield, Rhoda J Hawkins
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2016-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5015911?pdf=render
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author Carl A Whitfield
Rhoda J Hawkins
author_facet Carl A Whitfield
Rhoda J Hawkins
author_sort Carl A Whitfield
collection DOAJ
description We present numerical simulations of active fluid droplets immersed in an external fluid in 2-dimensions using an Immersed Boundary method to simulate the fluid droplet interface as a Lagrangian mesh. We present results from two example systems, firstly an active isotropic fluid boundary consisting of particles that can bind and unbind from the interface and generate surface tension gradients through active contractility. Secondly, a droplet filled with an active polar fluid with homeotropic anchoring at the droplet interface. These two systems demonstrate spontaneous symmetry breaking and steady state dynamics resembling cell motility and division and show complex feedback mechanisms with minimal degrees of freedom. The simulations outlined here will be useful for quantifying the wide range of dynamics observable in these active systems and modelling the effects of confinement in a consistent and adaptable way.
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spelling doaj.art-6b028996bba048f3bdec3c742bef09e72022-12-22T03:44:58ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032016-01-01119e016247410.1371/journal.pone.0162474Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.Carl A WhitfieldRhoda J HawkinsWe present numerical simulations of active fluid droplets immersed in an external fluid in 2-dimensions using an Immersed Boundary method to simulate the fluid droplet interface as a Lagrangian mesh. We present results from two example systems, firstly an active isotropic fluid boundary consisting of particles that can bind and unbind from the interface and generate surface tension gradients through active contractility. Secondly, a droplet filled with an active polar fluid with homeotropic anchoring at the droplet interface. These two systems demonstrate spontaneous symmetry breaking and steady state dynamics resembling cell motility and division and show complex feedback mechanisms with minimal degrees of freedom. The simulations outlined here will be useful for quantifying the wide range of dynamics observable in these active systems and modelling the effects of confinement in a consistent and adaptable way.http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5015911?pdf=render
spellingShingle Carl A Whitfield
Rhoda J Hawkins
Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.
PLoS ONE
title Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.
title_full Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.
title_fullStr Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.
title_full_unstemmed Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.
title_short Immersed Boundary Simulations of Active Fluid Droplets.
title_sort immersed boundary simulations of active fluid droplets
url http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC5015911?pdf=render
work_keys_str_mv AT carlawhitfield immersedboundarysimulationsofactivefluiddroplets
AT rhodajhawkins immersedboundarysimulationsofactivefluiddroplets