Active Model H: Scalar Active Matter in a Momentum-Conserving Fluid

Abstract

We present a continuum theory of self-propelled particles, without alignment interactions, in a momentum-conserving solvent. To address phase separation we introduce a scalar concentration field $\phi$ with advective-diffusive dynamics. Activity creates a contribution $\Sigma_{ij}=-\zeta((\partial_i\phi)(\partial_j\phi)-(\nabla\phi)^{2}\delta_{ij}/d)$ to the deviatoric stress, where $\zeta$ is odd under time reversal and $d$ is the number of spatial dimensions; this causes an effective interfacial tension contribution that is negative for contractile swimmers. We predict that domain growth then ceases at a length scale where diffusive coarsening is balanced by active stretching of interfaces, and confirm this numerically. Thus the interplay of activity and hydrodynamics is highly nontrivial, even without alignment interactions.