Modeling Active Composites

Soft materials embedded in an active fluid exhibit emergent dynamics and self-organization unseen in their passive counterparts. However, the behaviors of these "active composites" result from processes acting over a wide range of length and time scales and are hence challenging to understand. We create multiscale models of such active composites and use theory and computer simulations to explore their behaviors. Our framework sheds light on pattern formation in active composites and may inform efforts to design and control such materials.