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arXiv · 1401.1360

Self-propulsion through symmetry breaking

Pierre de Buyl·Alexander S. Mikhailov·Raymond Kapral
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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.

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Pierre de Buyl, Alexander S. Mikhailov, Raymond Kapral. 2014-01-07. Self-propulsion through symmetry breaking. https://doi.org/10.1209/0295-5075%2F103%2F60009

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