Self-reverting vortices in chiral active matter

Self-reverting vortices in chiral active matter

2024 | L. Caprini, B. Liebchen & H. Löwen
This study explores self-reverting vortices in chiral active matter, revealing a new class of collective behavior. Chiral active particles, which can self-propel and rotate, exhibit vortex patterns when interactions and chirality are present. However, these vortices are typically non-permanent and do not induce global vorticity. The research combines theoretical analysis and computer simulations to show that, in the absence of alignment interactions, chiral active particles can spontaneously form vortices with significant dynamical coherence. These vortices can either have constant vorticity or oscillate periodically in time, leading to self-reverting vortices. The results suggest that the competition between chirality and isotropic interactions suppresses the tendency of clusters to rotate collectively. The study identifies three distinct states: non-permanent vorticity, permanent vorticity, and self-reverting vorticity. The self-reverting vorticity state is characterized by periodic transitions between vortex and antivortex configurations. The findings could guide future experiments to realize customized collective phenomena, such as spontaneously rotating gears and patterns with self-reverting order. The research highlights the role of chirality in inducing collective motion and provides insights into the behavior of chiral active matter in various physical systems.This study explores self-reverting vortices in chiral active matter, revealing a new class of collective behavior. Chiral active particles, which can self-propel and rotate, exhibit vortex patterns when interactions and chirality are present. However, these vortices are typically non-permanent and do not induce global vorticity. The research combines theoretical analysis and computer simulations to show that, in the absence of alignment interactions, chiral active particles can spontaneously form vortices with significant dynamical coherence. These vortices can either have constant vorticity or oscillate periodically in time, leading to self-reverting vortices. The results suggest that the competition between chirality and isotropic interactions suppresses the tendency of clusters to rotate collectively. The study identifies three distinct states: non-permanent vorticity, permanent vorticity, and self-reverting vorticity. The self-reverting vorticity state is characterized by periodic transitions between vortex and antivortex configurations. The findings could guide future experiments to realize customized collective phenomena, such as spontaneously rotating gears and patterns with self-reverting order. The research highlights the role of chirality in inducing collective motion and provides insights into the behavior of chiral active matter in various physical systems.
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