Effect of reorientation statistics on torque response of self propelled particles

TL;DR

This paper compares how different reorientation mechanisms in self-propelled particles affect their torque response, revealing that run-and-tumble particles exhibit a more robust response than active Brownian particles, with implications for bacterial evolution.

Contribution

It demonstrates that reorientation statistics significantly influence torque response, providing a method to distinguish particle types and insights into bacterial motion evolution.

Findings

Run-and-tumble particles show a more robust torque response.

Reorientation statistics can differentiate particle types.

Results suggest evolutionary stability of run-and-tumble dynamics.

Abstract

We consider the dynamics of self-propelled particles subject to external torques. Two models for the reorientation of self-propulsion are considered, run-and-tumble particles, and active Brownian particles. Using the standard tools of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics we show that the run and tumble particles have a more robust response to torques. This macroscopic signature of the underlying reorientation statistics can be used to differentiate between the two types of self propelled particles. Further this result might indicate that run and tumble motion is indeed the evolutionarily stable dynamics for bacteria.