Isotropic Fluid Research Articles

Topologically non-equivalent textures generated by the nematic electrohydrodynamics

ABSTRACTSome classes of nematic liquid crystals can be driven through turbulent regimes when forced by an external electric field. In contrast to isotropic fluids, a turbulent nematic exhibits a transition to a stochastic regime that is characterised by a network of topological defects. We study the deformations arising after the electric field has been switched-off. In contrast to the turbulent regime, the relaxation of this topological-defect regime involves the annihilation of an interlacement of defect lines. We show that these defect lines separate regions of the nematic having topologically non-equivalent textures.

Stability of the interface of an isotropic active fluid.

We study the linear stability of an isotropic active fluid in three different geometries: a film of active fluid on a rigid substrate, a cylindrical thread of fluid, and a spherical fluid droplet. The active fluid is modeled by the hydrodynamic theory of an active nematic liquid crystal in the isotropic phase. In each geometry, we calculate the growth rate of sinusoidal modes of deformation of the interface. There are two distinct branches of growth rates; at long wavelength, one corresponds to the deformation of the interface, and one corresponds to the evolution of the liquid crystalline degrees of freedom. The passive cases of the film and the spherical droplet are always stable. For these geometries, a sufficiently large activity leads to instability. Activity also leads to propagating damped or growing modes. The passive cylindrical thread is unstable for perturbations with wavelength longer than the circumference. A sufficiently large activity can make any wavelength unstable, and again leads to propagating damped or growing modes. Our calculations are carried out for the case of zero Frank elasticity. While Frank elasticity is a stabilizing mechanism as it penalizes distortions of the order parameter tensor, we show that it has a small effect on the instabilities considered here.

Bulk viscous cosmological model in f(R,T) theory of gravity

In this paper, we have presented bulk viscous cosmological model of the universe in the modified gravity theory in which the Lagragian of the gravitational action contains a general function [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the curvature scalar and the trace of the energy–momentum tensor, respectively, in the framework of a flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker model with isotropic fluid. We obtain cosmological solution in [Formula: see text] theory of gravity, specially of particular choice [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a constant, in the presence of bulk viscosity that are permitted in Eckart theory, Truncated Israel Stewart (TIS) theory and Full Israel Stewart (FIS) theory. The physical and geometrical properties of the models in Eckart, TIS theory and FIS theory are studied in detail. The analysis of the variation of bulk viscous pressure, energy density, scale factor, Hubble parameter and deceleration parameter with cosmic evolution is done in the respective theories. The models are analyzed by comparison with recent observational data. The cosmological models are compatible with observations.

Rheology of active polar emulsions: from linear to unidirectional and inviscid flow, and intermittent viscosity.

The rheological behaviour of an emulsion made of an active polar component and an isotropic passive fluid is studied by lattice Boltzmann methods. Different flow regimes are found by varying the values of the shear rate and extensile activity (occurring, e.g., in microtubule-motor suspensions). By increasing the activity, a first transition occurs from the linear flow regime to spontaneous persistent unidirectional macro-scale flow, followed by another transition either to a (low shear) intermittent flow regime with the coexistence of states with positive, negative, and vanishing apparent viscosity, or to a (high shear) symmetric shear thinning regime. The different behaviours can be explained in terms of the dynamics of the polarization field close to the walls. A maximum entropy production principle selects the most likely states in the intermittent regime.

Generalized relativistic anisotropic compact star models by gravitational decoupling

In this work we have extended the Maurya-Gupta isotropic fluid solution to Einstein field equations to an aniso-tropic domain. To do so, we have employed the gravitational decoupling via the minimal geometric deformation approach. The present model is representing the strange star candidate LMC X-4. A mathematical, physical and graphical analysis, shown that the obtained model fulfills all the criteria to be an admissible solution of the Einstein field equations. Specifically, we have analyzed the regularity of the metric potentials and the effective density, radial and tangential pressures within the object, causality condition, energy conditions, equilibrium via Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation and the stability of the model by means of the adiabatic index and the square of subliminal sound speeds.

Large-scale intermittency and rare events boosted at dimensional crossover in anisotropic turbulence

Understanding rare events in turbulence provides a basis for the science of extreme weather, for which the atmosphere is modeled by Navier-Stokes equations (NSEs). In solutions of NSEs for isotropic fluids, various quantities, such as fluid velocities, roughly follow Gaussian distributions, where extreme events are prominent only in small-scale quantities associated with the dissipation-dominating length scale or anomalous scaling regime. Using numerical simulations, this study reveals another universal promotion mechanism at much larger scales if three-dimensional fluids accompany strong two-dimensional anisotropies, as is the case in the atmosphere. The dimensional crossover between two and three dimensions generates prominent fat-tailed non-Gaussian distributions with intermittency accompanied by colossal chain-like structures with densely populated self-organized vortices (serpentinely organized vortices (SOV)). The promotion is caused by a sudden increase of the available phase space at the crossover length scale. Since the discovered intermittency can involve much larger energies than those in the conventional intermittency in small spatial scales, it governs extreme events and chaotic unpredictability in the synoptic weather system.

The small-scale dynamo in a spectral representation

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we study the correlation functions for magnetic energy and magnetic helicity generated by a small-scale dynamo mechanism in a mirror-asymmetric and isotropic turbulent conductive fluid. Solving the Kazantsev system for small-scale generation by an iterative approach, we restore the correlation functions in spatial and spectral representations. Studying scales of localisation and their dependence on magnetic Reynolds number, we propose approximate functions, which can be applied for energy and helicity in a spectral space. We show the absence of 3/2-spectrum for Kazantsev assumptions at and helicity sign changing at . Using our results and estimating the relation between helicity and energy at different scales, we speculate about what can be considered as a small scale in a spectral space, and how this scale can be connected with mean-field processes.

Static spherically symmetric wormholes in generalized f(R,phi) gravity

.In this paper, we examine static spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in generalized f(R,phi) gravity. To do this, we consider three different kinds of fluids: anisotropic, barotropic and isotropic. We explore different f(R,phi) models and inspect the energy conditions for all of those three fluids. It is found that under some models in this theory, it is possible to obtain wormhole solutions without requiring exotic matter. The discussion about the conditions where the standard energy conditions (WEC and NEC) are valid for the fluids is discussed in details. From our results and for our cases, we conclude that for anisotropic and isotropic fluids, realistic wormhole geometries satisfying the energy conditions can be constructed.

Definition of complexity for dynamical spherically symmetric dissipative self-gravitating fluid distributions

The recently proposed definition of complexity for static and spherically symmetric self--gravitating systems [1], is extended to the fully dynamic situation. In this latter case we have to consider not only the complexity factor of the structure of the fluid distribution, but also the condition of minimal complexity of the pattern of evolution. As we shall see these two issues are deeply intertwined. For the complexity factor of the structure we choose the same as for the static case, whereas for the simplest pattern of evolution we assume the homologous condition. The dissipative and non-dissipative cases are considered separately. In the latter case the fluid distribution, satisfying the vanishing complexity factor condition and evolving homologously, corresponds to a homogeneous (in the energy density), geodesic and shear-free, isotropic (in the pressure) fluid. In the dissipative case the fluid is still geodesic, but shearing, and there exists (in principle) a large class of solutions. Finally we discuss about the stability of the vanishing complexity condition.

Existence of static wormhole solutions in f ( R , G ) $f(R,G)$ gravity

This work investigates some feasible regions for the existence of traversable wormhole geometries in $f(R,G)$ gravity, where $R$ and $G$ represent the Ricci scalar and the Gauss-Bonnet invariant respectively. Three different matter contents anisotropic fluid, isotropic fluid and barotropic fluid have been considered for the analysis. Moreover, we split $f(R,G)$ gravity model into Strobinsky like $f(R)$ model and a power law $f(G)$ model to explore wormhole geometries. We select red-shift and shape functions which are suitable for the existence of wormhole solutions for the chosen $f(R,G)$ gravity model. It has been analyzed with the graphical evolution that the null energy and weak energy conditions for the effective energy-momentum tensor are usually violated for the ordinary matter content. However, some small feasible regions for the existence of wormhole solutions have been found where the energy conditions are not violated. The overall analysis confirms the existence of the wormhole geometries in $f(R,G)$ gravity under some reasonable circumstances.

Molecular dynamics simulations of nematic phases formed by cyano-biphenyl dimers

ABSTRACTMolecular dynamics simulations of selected members of the cyano-biphenyl (CB) series of dimers (CBnCB) have been set up using atomistic detail for the description of the alkyl spacer and coarse-grained representation of the CB end-segments. Detailed results are presented for the CB7CB dimers, showing an isotropic fluid phase and two nematic phases. The positional and orientational correlation functions extracted from the simulations are used to elucidate the structure of the low-temperature nematic phase. Polar molecular ordering is clearly identified along a direction undergoing helical twisting at right angles to the helical axis, with a constant pitch of about of 8 nm. The local ordering of the various molecular segments is calculated and found to be in excellent agreement with experimental NMR measurements. Key findings of the simulation are shown to be correctly predicted by the theoretical model of the polar-twisted nematic (NPT) phase [A.G. Vanakaras, D.J. Photinos, Soft Matter. 12 (2016) 2208–2220]. The complete failure of the usual twist bend model (NTB) to account for these findings is demonstrated.

Guided waves at bianisotropic fluid interfaces

Willis fluids are characterized by constitutive relations that couple the pressure and momentum density to both the particle velocity and the volume strain. This effective dynamic response coupling may arise due to microstructural asymmetry, long range order, or time-varying material properties and has been shown to be analogous to electromagnetic bianisotropic media [Phys. Rev. B 96, 104303 (2017)]. In this study, we report on the existence of guided waves at the interface between two fluids when at least one displays Willis coupling. Criteria for the existence of these waves are discussed in terms of the material properties, frequency, and wave number, and expressions for the dispersion relation and rate of spatial decay away from the interface are obtained analytically. We demonstrate that interface waves are supported when one of the fluids possesses Willis coupling, in contrast to an interface between two classical isotropic fluids, which cannot support interface waves. Special cases are highlighted via numerical examples. [Work supported by ONR, NSF, the Applied Research Laboratories at The University of Texas at Austin, and the NRC Research Associateship Program.]

Hydrodynamic modes of homogeneous and isotropic fluids

Relativistic fluids are Lorentz invariant, and a non-relativistic limit of such fluids leads to the well-known Navier–Stokes equation. However, for fluids moving with respect to a reference system, or in critical systems with generic dynamical exponent zz, the assumption of Lorentz invariance (or its non-relativistic version) does not hold. We are thus led to consider the most general fluid assuming only homogeneity and isotropy and study its hydrodynamics and transport behaviour. Remarkably, such systems have not been treated in full generality in the literature so far. Here we study these equations at the linearized level. We find new expressions for the speed of sound, corrections to the Navier–Stokes equation and determine all dissipative and non-dissipative first order transport coefficients. Dispersion relations for the sound, shear and diffusion modes are determined to second order in momenta. In the presence of a scaling symmetry with dynamical exponent zz, we show that the sound attenuation constant depends on both shear viscosity and thermal conductivity.

Influences of transversely isotropic rheology and translational diffusion on the stability of active suspensions.

Suspensions of self-motile, elongated particles are a topic of significant current interest, exemplifying a form of ‘active matter’. Examples include self-propelling bacteria, algae and sperm, and artificial swimmers. Ericksen's model of a transversely isotropic fluid (Ericksen 1960 Colloid Polym. Sci. 173, 117–122 (doi:10.1007/bf01502416)) treats suspensions of non-motile particles as a continuum with an evolving preferred direction; this model describes fibrous materials as diverse as extracellular matrix, textile tufts and plant cell walls. Director-dependent effects are incorporated through a modified stress tensor with four viscosity-like parameters. By making fundamental connections with recent models for active suspensions, we propose a modification to Ericksen's model, mainly the inclusion of self-motility; this can be considered the simplest description of an oriented suspension including transversely isotropic effects. Motivated by the fact that transversely isotropic fluids exhibit modified flow stability, we conduct a linear stability analysis of two distinct cases, aligned and isotropic suspensions of elongated active particles. Novel aspects include the anisotropic rheology and translational diffusion. In general, anisotropic effects increase the instability of small perturbations, while translational diffusion stabilizes a range of wave-directions and, in some cases, a finite range of wavenumbers, thus emphasizing that both anisotropy and translational diffusion can have important effects in these systems.

Mixtures of Blue Phase Liquid Crystal with Simple Liquids: Elastic Emulsions and Cubic Fluid Cylinders.

We numerically investigate the behavior of a phase-separating mixture of a blue phase I liquid crystal with an isotropic fluid. The resulting morphology is primarily controlled by an inverse capillary number, χ, setting the balance between interfacial and elastic forces. When χ and the concentration of the isotropic component are both low, the blue phase disclination lattice templates a cubic array of fluid cylinders. For larger χ, the isotropic phase arranges primarily into liquid emulsion droplets which coarsen very slowly, rewiring the blue phase disclination lines into an amorphous elastic network. Our blue phase-simple fluid composites can be externally manipulated: an electric field can trigger a morphological transition between cubic fluid cylinder phases with different topologies.

Charged Vaidya\u2013Tikekar model for super compact star

In this work, we explore a class of compact charged objects that have been tested against experimental and observational constraints with some known compact stars candidates. This study is performed by considering the self-gravitating, charged, isotropic fluids which are more pliability in solving the Einstein–Maxwell equations. In order to determine the interior geometry, we utilize the Vaidya–Tikekar (J Astrophys Astron 3:325, 1982) geometry for the metric potential with Riessner–Nordstrddot{text {o}}m metric as an exterior solution. These model parameters are determined after selecting some particular values of M and R, for the compact objects SAX J1808.4-3658, Her X-1 and 4U 1538-52. The most striking consequence is that hydrostatic equilibrium is maintained for different forces, and the situation is clarified by using the generalized Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation. In addition to this, we also present the energy conditions, speeds of sound and compactness of stars that are very much compatible to that for a physically acceptable stellar model. Arising solutions are also compared with graphical representations that provide strong evidences for more realistic and viable models, both at theoretical and astrophysical scale.

Long-time anomalous swimmer diffusion in smectic liquid crystals.

The dynamics of self-locomotion of active particles in aligned or liquid crystalline fluids strongly deviates from that in simple isotropic media. We explore the long-time dynamics of a swimmer moving in a three-dimensional smectic liquid crystal and find that the mean-square displacement transverse to the director exhibits a distinct logarithmic tail at long times. The scaling is distinctly different from that in an isotropic or nematic fluid and hints at the subtle but important role of the director fluctuation spectrum in governing the long-time motility of active particles. Our findings are based on a generic hydrodynamic theory and Brownian dynamics computer simulation of a three-dimensional soft mesogen model.

Linear Rayleigh–Bénard stability of a transversely isotropic fluid

Suspended fibres significantly alter fluid rheology, as exhibited in for example solutions of DNA, RNA and synthetic biological nanofibres. It is of interest to determine how this altered rheology affects flow stability. Motivated by the fact thermal gradients may occur in biomolecular analytic devices, and recent stability results, we examine the problem of Rayleigh–Bénard convection of the transversely isotropic fluid of Ericksen. A transversely isotropic fluid treats these suspensions as a continuum with an evolving preferred direction, through a modified stress tensor incorporating four viscosity-like parameters. We consider the linear stability of a stationary, passive, transversely isotropic fluid contained between two parallel boundaries, with the lower boundary at a higher temperature than the upper. To determine the marginal stability curves the Chebyshev collocation method is applied, and we consider a range of initially uniform preferred directions, from horizontal to vertical, and three orders of magnitude in the viscosity-like anisotropic parameters. Determining the critical wave and Rayleigh numbers, we find that transversely isotropic effects delay the onset of instability; this effect is felt most strongly through the incorporation of the anisotropic shear viscosity, although the anisotropic extensional viscosity also contributes. Our analysis confirms the importance of anisotropic rheology in the setting of convection.

Sorting and separation of microparticles by surface properties using liquid crystal-enabled electro-osmosis

ABSTRACTSorting and separation of microparticles is a challenging problem of interdisciplinary nature. Existing technologies can differentiate microparticles by their bulk properties, such as size, density, electric polarisability, etc. The next level of challenge is to separate particles that show identical bulk properties and differ only in subtle surface features, such as functionalisation with ligands. In this work, we propose a technique to sort and separate particles and fluid droplets that differ in surface properties. As a dispersive medium, we use a nematic liquid crystal (LC) rather than an isotropic fluid, which allows us to amplify the difference in surface properties through distinct perturbations of LC order around the dispersed particles. The particles are placed in an LC cell with spatially distorted molecular orientation subject to an alternating current electric field. The gradients of the molecular orientation perform two functions. First, elastic interactions between these pre-imposed gradients and distortions around the particles separate the particles with different surface properties in space. Second, these pre-imposed patterns create electro-osmotic flows powered by the electric field that transport the sorted particles to different locations thus separating them. The demonstrated unique sorting and separation capability opens opportunities in lab-on-a-chip, cell sorting and bio-sensing applications.

Anisotropic neutron stars in R2 gravity

We consider static neutron stars within the framework of $R^2$ gravity. The neutron fluid is described by three different types of realistic equations of state (soft, moderately stiff, and stiff). Using the observational data on the neutron star mass-radius relation, it is demonstrated that the characteristics of the objects supported by the isotropic fluid agree with the observations only if one uses the soft equation of state. We show that the inclusion of the fluid anisotropy enables one also to employ more stiff equations of state to model configurations that will satisfy the observational constraints sufficiently. Also, using the standard thin accretion disk model, we demonstrate potentially observable differences, which allow us to distinguish the neutron stars constructed within the modified gravity framework from those described in Einstein's general relativity.