Rectification and diffusion of self-propelled particles in a two-dimensional corrugated channel

TL;DR

This study numerically explores how self-propelled particles move and diffuse in a two-dimensional corrugated channel, revealing optimal parameters for maximum velocity and diffusion, and how different diffusion rates influence their behavior.

Contribution

The paper introduces a numerical analysis of rectification and diffusion of self-propelled particles in a 2D corrugated channel, identifying optimal parameters for their movement.

Findings

Self-propelled particles can be rectified by their self-propelled velocity.

Optimal parameters exist for maximum average velocity and diffusion.

Self-propelled velocity enhances diffusion, while high rotational diffusion suppresses it.

Abstract

Rectification and diffusion of non-interacting self-propelled particles is numerically investigated in a two-dimensional corrugated channel. From numerical simulations, we obtain the average velocity and the effective diffusion coefficient. It is found that the self-propelled particles can be rectified by the self-propelled velocity. There exist optimal values of the parameters (the self-propelled velocity, the translational diffusion constant, and the height of the potential) at which the average velocity takes its maximal value. There exists an optimal translational diffusion at which the effective diffusion constant is maximal. The self-propelled velocity can strongly increase the effective diffusion, while the large rotational diffusion rate can strongly suppress the effective diffusion.