From active Newtonian suspensions to active nematics: anchoring strength as a critical tuning parameter

Active particles in anisotropic, viscoelastic environments can trigger a bend instability, but the pursuant flow can be arrested by elastic fluid stresses. We will discuss a model active suspension in a nematic LC, and explore the initial stages of this instability from the distribution function perspective. Of particular interest is the role of the anchoring strength, which links the active and passive media, and tunes the system between active suspensions in Newtonian fluids in one limit and active nematic theory in another. An intriguing and delicate competition emerges between the anchoring strength and particle rotational diffusivity for dictating the stability criteria.