Deterministic endless collective evolvement in active nematics

Abstract

We propose a simple deterministic dynamic equation and reveal the mechanism of large-scale endless evolvement of spatial density inhomogeneity in active nematic. We determine the phase regions analytically. The interplay of density, magnitude of nematic order, and nematic director is crucial for the long-wave-length instability and the emergence of seemingly fluctuated collective motions. Ordered nematic domains can absorb particles, grow and divide endlessly. The present finding extends our understanding of the large-scale and seemingly fluctuated organization in active fluids.