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Magnetically Induced Rotating Rayleigh-Taylor Instability
Published on: March 3, 2017
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Stability of model flocks in a vortical flow.
A W Baggaley1,2
1School of Mathematics and Statistics, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E
|July 15, 2016
Summary
We found that self-propelled particle flocks can be stabilized in fluid flows by balancing orientation alignment and acceleration anticipation. This finding offers insights into animal flocking and robotic systems.
Area of Science:
- Physics of complex systems
- Fluid dynamics
- Collective behavior
Background:
- Self-propelled particle systems exhibit flocking behavior.
- Vortical flows can disrupt flock coherence.
- Understanding flock stability in dynamic environments is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability of self-propelled particle flocks within a Taylor-Green vortex.
- To model particle alignment based on orientation and acceleration.
- To identify conditions for flock stabilization under fluid forcing.
Main Methods:
- Simulations of self-propelled particles in a steady vortical flow.
- Modeling particle alignment with orientation and acceleration within a critical radius.
- Analysis of flock order and particle distribution in different regimes.
Main Results:
- Two regimes identified: expulsion from high vorticity (orientation dominant) and accumulation (anticipation dominant).
- Flock order is reduced in both regimes.
- A critical balance between orientation and anticipation can stabilize flocks against fluid forcing.
Conclusions:
- A balanced alignment strategy can maintain flock order in the presence of fluid forcing.
- This mechanism may explain animal flocking behavior.
- Potential applications include autonomous drone and microswimmer design.
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