Mechanics of active gel spheres under bulk contraction

Abstract

In active gels, liquid redistribution, network deformation and material remodeling due to bulk activation, mimicking the presence of molecular motors, are strongly coupled. We present a consistent mathematical model capable to gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon in both steady and transient conditions. With explicit reference to active gel spheres, we evidence the role that not uniform bulk activation may have in generating local stress or strain actuators based on liquid redistribution.