Active Nematics: Topological Defect Motility

Active nematics (e.g., cytoskeletal filaments driven by molecular motors) exhibit spontaneous flows driven by ±½ topological defects. The +½ defect is self-propelled; the -½ defect is stationary. Tune activity to see the transition to active turbulence.

Defects +½: —  |  Defects -½: —  |  Mean flow: —  |  Step: —