The fluidic memristor as a collective phenomenon in elastohydrodynamic networks

Abstract

Fluid flow networks are ubiquitous and can be found in a broad range of contexts, from human-made systems such as water supply networks to living systems like animal and plant vasculature. In many cases, the elements forming these networks exhibit a highly non-linear pressure-flow relationship. Although we understand how these elements work individually, their collective behavior remains poorly understood. In this work, we combine experiments, theory, and numerical simulations to understand the main mechanisms underlying the collective behavior of soft flow networks with elements that exhibit negative differential resistance. Strikingly, our theoretical analysis and experiments reveal that a minimal network of nonlinear resistors, which we have termed a ‘fluidic memristor’, displays history-dependent resistance. This new class of element can be understood as a collection of hysteresis loops that allows this fluidic system to store information, and it can be directly used as a tunable resistor in fluidic setups. Our results provide insights that can inform other applications of fluid flow networks in soft materials science, biomedical settings, and soft robotics, and may also motivate new understanding of the flow networks involved in animal and plant physiology.

Nanofluidic Ionic Memristors

“…53 The fluidic memristor with elastohydrodynamic networks based on negative differential resistance (NDR) was established, which provided a foundation to investigate the role of collective effects in complex systems of nonlinear resistors. 54 The nanofluidic ionic memristors mentioned above are all analog-type, which are more suitable for realizing the functions of biological synapses. To further mimic the wealthy functions of biological neural networks, digital-type nanofluidic memristive switches have been constructed to design ionic circuits, realize ionic logic computing, and simulate neuronal plasticity.…”

“…In contrast to solid-state electronic memristors (a single signal carrier), the rich physicochemical properties of ions (e.g., multispecies and multivalent states) may endow ionic memristors with more abundant capabilities to mimic the numerous functions of biological systems. Over the past decades, nanofluidics have rapidly progressed along with the evolving nanofabrication technologies. , As an emerging nanofluidic device, ionic memristors have received considerable attention since they exhibit a distinctive advantage in neuromorphic computing and strong biocompatibility. ,,− ,− Therefore, the development, mechanisms, recent research progress, and applications of nanofluidic ionic memristors were summarized in this article. In addition, the biocompatibility of ions and the amorphous nature of the fluid endow the ionic memristors with brain-like flexibility and higher compatibility with living systems.…”

“…On the basis of the principle of the elastic strain of the nanopore with nanoparticle adsorption, a nanofluidic memristor was studied in 2023, which can realize the STP and LTP of the synapse . The fluidic memristor with elastohydrodynamic networks based on negative differential resistance (NDR) was established, which provided a foundation to investigate the role of collective effects in complex systems of nonlinear resistors …”