Activity-induced mixing and phase transitions of self-propelled swimmers.

Abstract

We study the mixing of active swimmers. Two different types of swimmers (modeled as particles) are placed initially in two boxes with an interconnection between them. The mixing of swimmers happens as they move with their own self-propelled forces. The self-propelled force is constant and the direction of the exerted thrust is governed by the neighboring swimmers. Overall mixing of the swimmers depends on the magnitude of the exerted thrust, the initial packing fraction, and the activity level. Different nonequilibrium states are also identified depending on the exerted thrust and the initial packing fraction of the swimmers.