Microphase separation in two dimensional suspensions of self-propelled spheres and dumbbells

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to explore phase behaviors in 2D suspensions of self-propelled spheres and dumbbells, revealing novel active states like spinning cluster crystals and living cluster fluids.

Contribution

It introduces two new active phases in 2D suspensions driven by micro-phase separation potentials, expanding understanding of active matter states.

Findings

Identification of spinning cluster crystal phase

Discovery of fluid of living clusters phase

Potential methods to extend phase stability

Abstract

We use numerical simulations to study the phase behavior of self-propelled spherical and dumbbellar particles interacting via micro-phase separation inducing potentials. Our results indicate that under the appropriate conditions, it is possible to drive the formation of two new active states; a spinning cluster crystal, i.e. an ordered mesoscopic phase having finite size spinning crystallites as lattice sites, and a fluid of living clusters, i.e. a two dimensional fluid where each "particle" is a finite size living cluster. We discuss the dynamics of these phases and suggest ways of extending their stability under a wide range of active forces.