Geometric frustration and solid-solid transitions in model 2D tissue

Abstract

We study the mechanical behavior of two-dimensional cellular tissues by formulating the continuum limit of discrete vertex models based on an energy that penalizes departures from a target area $A_0$ and a target perimeter $P_0$ for the component cells of the tissue. As the dimensionless target shape index $s_0 = \frac{P_0}{\sqrt{A_0}}$ is varied, we find a transition from a soft elastic regime for compatible target perimeter and area to a stiffer nonlinear elastic regime frustrated by geometric incompatibility. We show that the ground state in the soft regime has a family of degenerate solutions associated with zero modes for the target area and perimeter. The onset of geometric incompatibility at a critical $s_0^c$ lifts this degeneracy. The resultant energy gap leads to a nonlinear elastic response distinct from that obtained in classical elasticity models. We draw an analogy between cellular tissues and anelastic deformations in solids.