Vortex formation by active agents as a model for Daphnia swarming

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2006 Jun;73(6 Pt 1):061924. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.73.061924. Epub 2006 Jun 30.

Abstract

We propose a self-propelled particle model for the swarming of Daphnia that takes into account mutual repulsion and attraction to a center. Surprisingly, a vortex is formed only for an intermediate strength of propulsion. The phase diagram and the transitions between states with and without a vortex are analyzed, and the nature of the phase boundaries is discussed based on a linear stability analysis of the motion of individual swimmers. This allows us to identify various key parameters determining the characteristic features of the collective motion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Daphnia / physiology*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Motion
  • Swimming