A partial differential equation model for Janus particle swarming
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: It has been experimentally shown that Brownian motion and active forward drift controlled by quorum sensing is sufficient to produce clustering behaviour in orientable Janus particles. This paper explores the group formation and cohesion of Janus particles using both an agent-based computer model and a non-local advection–diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) model. Our PDE model can recreate the behaviour from both physical experimentation and computer simulations. Additionally, the PDE model highlights an annular structure that was not apparent in prior work.
Source: Royal Society Open Science
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.251936
Authors: Griffin Smith, Nathan Stouffer, Scott G. McCalla, Dominique P. Zosso
Institution: Montana State University
Language: English
Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics
Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,471
OpenAlex ID: W7129732156