Result description
There is a strong interest in the collective behavior of chiral active particles that can propel and rotate themselves. In the presence of alignment interactions, chiral self-propulsion can induce vortex patterns in the velocity fields which are non-permanent and do not induce global vorticity. Here we combine theoretical arguments and computer simulations to predict a so-far unknown class of collective behavior. We show that, for chiral active particles, vortices with significant dynamical coherence emerge spontaneously. They originate from the interplay between attraction interactions and chirality in the absence of alignment interactions. Depending on parameters, the vortices can either feature a constant vorticity or a vorticity that oscillates periodically in time, resulting in self-reverting vortices. Our results may guide future experiments to realize customized collective phenomena such as spontaneously rotating gears and patterns with a self-reverting order.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Collaboration
The target audience for the paper Self-reverting vorticity in chiral active matter primarily includes researchers in the fields of soft matter physics and non-equilibrium statistical physics. This work is particularly relevant to scientists studying active matter, collective behavior, and pattern formation in driven systems. Given its focus on chiral active particles and the role of interactions in generating novel vortex dynamics, the paper may also interest researchers in fluid dynamics, granular systems, and biologically inspired active materials. Additionally, the findings could be of relevance to experimentalists developing synthetic active systems or exploring self-organized motion in active colloids and robotics.
- Academia/ Universities
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
Results can be obtained by performing simulations of the model employed, by using the same set of parameters adopted
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by HEINRICH-HEINE-UNIVERSITAET DUESSELDORF