Phases and correlations in active nematic granular systems

Abstract

We investigate the statistical behavior of a system comprising fore-aft symmetric rods confined between two vertically vibrating plates using numerical simulations closely resembling the experimental setup studied by V. Narayan et al., Science, 2007, 317, 105–108. Our focus lies in studying the phase transition of the system from an isotropic phase to a nematic phase as we increase either the rod length or the rod concentration. Our simulations confirm the presence of long-range ordering in the ordered phase. Furthermore, we identify a phase characterized by a periodic ordering profile that disrupts translation symmetry. We also provide a detailed analysis of the translational and rotational diffusive dynamics of the rods. Interestingly, the translational diffusivity of the rods is found to increase with the rod concentration.