Microscopic simulations of a 3D active nematic composed of semiflexible polymers

The field of active matter studies materials whose constituent particles can consume energy at the particle scale to produce motion. An active nematic has the additional constraint that these particles have nematic symmetry. Unlike a passive nematic, an active nematic can exhibit spontaneous creation and annihilation of topological defects. Recent work on 3D active nematics shows notable differences in the structure and dynamics of these defects compared to 2D systems—for example, defects tend to form as neutrally charged disclination loops. Here, we will use particle-based simulations to better understand the dynamical properties of dry active nematics in 3D, both in bulk and under confinement.