Abstract
We show that coupling to curvature nontrivially affects collective motion in active systems, leading to motion patterns not observed in flat space. Using numerical simulations, we study a model of self-propelled particles with polar alignment and soft repulsion confined to move on the surface of a sphere. We observe a variety of motion patterns with the main hallmarks being polar vortex and circulating band states arising due to the incompatibility between spherical topology and uniform motion - a consequence of the "hairy ball" theorem. We provide a detailed analysis of density, velocity, pressure, and stress profiles in the circulating band state. In addition, we present analytical results for a simplified model of collective motion on the sphere showing that frustration due to curvature leads to stable elastic distortions storing energy in the band.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 022306 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Physical Review E: Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Feb 2015 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Statistics and Probability
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- 1 Finished
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Dry Active Matter on a Sphere (First Grant Scheme)
Sknepnek, R. (Investigator)
1/05/15 → 31/10/16
Project: Research
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