title: Stress reorganization and response in active solids.
abstract: We present a microscopic model of a disordered viscoelastic active solid, i.e., an active material whose long time behavior is elastic as opposed to viscous. It is composed of filaments, passive cross-links, and molecular motors powered by stored chemical energy, e.g., actomyosin powered by adenosine triphosphate. Our model allows us to study the collective behavior of contractile active elements and how their interaction with each other and the passive elastic elements determines the macroscopic mechanical properties of the active material. As a result of the (un)binding dynamics of the active elements, we find that this system provides a highly responsive material with a dynamic mechanical response strongly dependent on the amount of deformation.
authors: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RH, United Kingdom and School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TW, United Kingdom.
authors: Rhoda J
authors: RJ
authors: Hawkins
authors: School of Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TW, United Kingdom.
authors: Tanniemola B
authors: TB
authors: Liverpool