As children, we learn about active nematic liquid crystals, where topological defects organize active stresses into mesmerizing flows. But what about active nematic solids, where defects remain but stresses are resisted? The answer: rupture.
Read our News & Views in Nature Materials: rdcu.be/famDd
rdcu.be
The fourfold way to rupture in active solids
Nature Materials - Quadrupolar topological defects act as organization centres for material failure in a biomimetic active nematic solid.
