Rotational synchronization of camphor ribbons

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Non-equilibrium Systems

Background:

• Self-propelled rotators, such as camphor ribbons, utilize self-generated forces for motion.
• Marangoni effect-driven surface tension gradients cause camphor-infused materials to rotate.
• Interactions between self-propelled entities can lead to complex collective behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction and synchronization phenomena between two pinned self-propelled camphor rotators.
• To determine the influence of rotational sense (corotating vs. counterrotating) and distance on synchronization.
• To develop and validate a theoretical model explaining the observed synchronization mechanism.

Main Methods:

• Experimental setup involving pinned camphor-infused paper rotators on a water surface.
• Observation and analysis of rotational behavior and synchronization patterns.
• Development of a theoretical model based on Yukawa-type interactions.
• Numerical analysis of the theoretical model.

Main Results:

• Two self-rotating camphor ribbons exhibit repulsive coupling mediated by the camphor layer.
• Lag synchronization is observed in both corotating and counterrotating configurations.
• Synchronization is dependent on the pivot-to-pivot distance, occurring below a critical distance (l < lc).
• Counterrotating ribbons demonstrate more robust synchronization compared to corotating ribbons.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates synchronized behavior in interacting self-propelled rotators.
• A theoretical model involving Yukawa-type interactions successfully rationalizes the observed synchronization.
• The findings contribute to understanding collective dynamics in active matter systems.