Self-propulsion through symmetry breaking

Self-propulsion through symmetry breaking

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

De Buyl, P.; Mikhailov, A.S.; Kapral, R.

Source:

EPL, Volume 103, Number 6 (2013)

URL:

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84887113575&doi=10.1209%2f0295-5075%2f103%2f60009&partnerID=40&md5=cbec6306d93ce9585a37e66c97e50319

Abstract:

In addition to self-propulsion by phoretic mechanisms that arises from an asymmetric distribution of reactive species around a catalytic motor, spherical particles with a uniform distribution of catalytic activity may also propel themselves under suitable conditions. Reactive fluctuation-induced asymmetry can give rise to transient concentration gradients which may persist under certain conditions, giving rise to a bifurcation to self-propulsion. The nature of this phenomenon is analyzed in detail, and particle-level simulations are carried out to demonstrate its existence. © Copyright EPLA, 2013.

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