Focusing of active particles in a converging flow. (15th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Potomkin, Mykhailo; Kaiser, Andreas; Berlyand, Leonid; Aranson, Igor
• Is Part Of: New journal of physics. Volume 19:Number 11(2017:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2017-11-15
• Subjects: active matter -- rheotaxis -- focusing -- converging flow -- confinement; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics; Periodicals; 530.05
• DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/aa94fd
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-2630

Abstract

Abstract: We consider active particles swimming in a convergent fluid flow in a trapezoid nozzle with no-slip walls. We use mathematical modeling to analyze trajectories of these particles inside the nozzle. By extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we show that trajectories are strongly affected by the background fluid flow and geometry of the nozzle leading to wall accumulation and upstream motion (rheotaxis). In particular, we describe the non-trivial focusing of active rods depending on physical and geometrical parameters. It is also established that the convergent component of the background flow leads to stability of both downstream and upstream swimming at the centerline. The stability of downstream swimming enhances focusing, and the stability of upstream swimming enables rheotaxis in the bulk.