An explanatory model to validate the way water activity rules periodic terrace generation in Proteus mirabilis swarm

TL;DR

This paper develops a biophysical and mathematical model based on PDEs to explain and simulate the terrace formation in Proteus mirabilis swarming, aligning well with observed phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces a novel PDE-based model that captures the biophysical mechanisms behind Proteus mirabilis swarm terrace generation.

Findings

Simulations replicate observed terrace patterns

Model aligns with in situ experimental observations

Provides a quantitative framework for understanding swarming behavior

Abstract

In this paper we explain the biophysical principles which, according to us, govern the Proteus mirabilis swarm phenomenon. Then, we translate this explanation into a mathematical model, essentially based on partial differential equations. This model is then implemented using numerical methods of the finite volume type in order to make simulations. The simulations show most of the characteristics which are observed in situ and in particular the terrace generation.