Header menu link for other important links
X
Effect of self-propulsion on equilibrium clustering
Published in American Physical Society
2015
Volume: 92
   
Issue: 3
Abstract
In equilibrium, colloidal suspensions governed by short-range attractive and long-range repulsive interactions form thermodynamically stable clusters. Using Brownian dynamics computer simulations, we investigate how this equilibrium clustering is affected when such particles are self-propelled. We find that the clustering process is stable under self-propulsion. For the range of interaction parameters studied and at low particle density, the cluster size increases with the speed of self-propulsion (activity) and for higher activity the cluster size decreases, showing a nonmonotonic variation of cluster size with activity. This clustering behavior is distinct from the pure kinetic (or motility-induced) clustering of self-propelling particles which is observed at significantly higher activities and densities. We present an equilibrium model incorporating the effect of activity as activity-induced attraction and repulsion by imposing that the strength of these interactions depend on activity superlinearly. The model explains the cluster size dependence of activity obtained from simulations semiquantitatively. Our predictions are verifiable in experiments on interacting synthetic colloidal microswimmers. © 2015 American Physical Society.
About the journal
JournalData powered by TypesetPhysical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
PublisherData powered by TypesetAmerican Physical Society
ISSN15393755
Open AccessYes
Concepts (12)
  •  related image
    Cluster analysis
  •  related image
    Clustering algorithms
  •  related image
    Propulsion
  •  related image
    CLUSTERING PROCESS
  •  related image
    Colloidal suspensions
  •  related image
    Equilibrium modeling
  •  related image
    Interaction parameters
  •  related image
    LONG RANGE REPULSIVE INTERACTIONS
  •  related image
    Non-monotonic variation
  •  related image
    Particle densities
  •  related image
    Thermodynamically stable
  •  related image
    Suspensions (fluids)