Equilibrium and dynamical behavior in the Vicsek model for self-propelled particles under shear

The effects of an externally imposed linear shear profile in the Vicsek model of self-propelled particles is investigated via computer simulations. We find that the applied field changes in a relevant way both the equilibrium and dynamical properties of the original model. Indeed, short time dynamic...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Saracco, Gustavo Pablo, Gonnella, Giuseppe, Marenduzzo, Davide, Orlandini, Enzo
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2012
Country:Argentina
Institution:Universidad Nacional de La Plata
Repository:SEDICI (UNLP)
Language:English
OAI Identifier:oai:sedici.unlp.edu.ar:10915/114723
Online Access:http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/handle/10915/114723
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:Física
active matter
non-equilibrium physics
Description
Summary:The effects of an externally imposed linear shear profile in the Vicsek model of self-propelled particles is investigated via computer simulations. We find that the applied field changes in a relevant way both the equilibrium and dynamical properties of the original model. Indeed, short time dynamics analysis shows that the order-disordered phase transition disappears under shear, because the flow acts as a symmetry breaking field. Moreover, the coarsening of particle domains is arrested at a characteristic length-scale inversely proportional to shear rate. A generalization of the original Vicsek model where the velocity of particles depends on the local value of the density is also introduced and shows to affect the domain formation.