Collective dynamics of dipolar self-propelled particles

Phys Rev E. 2023 Aug;108(2-1):024608. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.108.024608.

Abstract

We present a numerical study of the collective behavior of self-propelled particles for which dipolar interactions are considered. These are obtained by introducing pointlike magnetic dipoles in the particles. Various dynamical regimes are found depending on three major parameters: the density of particles, the ratio Γ defined as the competition between kinetic energy and potential magnetic energy, as well as the orientation of the magnetic dipoles inherent to the particles. Patterns such as chains, vortices, flocks, and strips have been obtained.