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An equation of state for insect swarms
Michael Sinhuber1,2, Kasper van der Vaart1, Yenchia Feng1
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
Scientific Reports
|February 13, 2021
Summary
Scientists developed a thermodynamic framework to precisely quantify collective animal behavior in swarms. This breakthrough offers a new method for understanding and potentially engineering group dynamics for bio-inspired applications.
Area of Science:
- Collective behavior
- Thermodynamics
- Bio-inspired engineering
Background:
- Collective behavior in animal groups (flocks, crowds, swarms) is widespread.
- Understanding group function is crucial for bio-inspired engineering applications.
- Existing methods for quantifying collective behavior are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe collective animal groups using a thermodynamic framework.
- To develop a precise method for quantifying the properties and function of collective groups.
- To lay the groundwork for future bio-inspired engineering designs.
Main Methods:
- Defined state variables for collective groups.
- Extracted an equation of state for laboratory midge swarms.
- Drove swarms through thermodynamic cycles using external stimuli.
Main Results:
- Successfully described collective groups within a thermodynamic framework.
- Validated an equation of state for midge swarms under external stimuli.
- Demonstrated the framework's applicability across thermodynamic cycles.
Conclusions:
- Collective behavior can be quantitatively described using thermodynamic principles.
- The developed framework provides a novel method for precise quantification of group dynamics.
- This research serves as a foundation for engineering applications leveraging collective behavior.
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