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arXiv · 1307.3120

Spontaneous motion and deformation of a self-propelled droplet

Natsuhiko Yoshinaga
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Abstract

The time evolution equation of motion and shape are derived for a self-propelled droplet driven by a chemical reaction. The coupling between the chemical reaction and motion makes an inhomogeneous concentration distribution as well as a surrounding flow leading to the instability of a stationary state. The instability results in spontaneous motion by which the shape of the droplet deforms from a sphere. We found that the self-propelled droplet is elongated perpendicular to the direction of motion and is characterized as a pusher.

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Natsuhiko Yoshinaga. 2014-01-23. Spontaneous motion and deformation of a self-propelled droplet. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.89.012913

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