Effects of hydrodynamic interactions on rectified transport of self-propelled particles

TL;DR

This study numerically explores how hydrodynamic interactions influence the directed movement of self-propelled particles in a 3D asymmetric potential, revealing their dual role in enhancing or hindering transport.

Contribution

It introduces an approximate method to incorporate hydrodynamic interactions into simulations of self-propelled particles in three dimensions, highlighting their impact on rectified transport.

Findings

Hydrodynamic interactions can significantly alter rectified transport.

They enhance transport when particles cross potential barriers easily.

They reduce transport when particles are trapped in potential wells.

Abstract

Directed transport of self-propelled particles is numerically investigated in a three-dimensional asymmetric potential. Beside the steric repulsive forces, hydrodynamic interactions between particles have been taken into account in an approximate way. From numerical simulations, we find that hydrodynamic interactions can strongly affect the rectified transport of self-propelled particles. Hydrodynamic interactions enhance the performance of the rectified transport when particles can easily pass across the barrier of the potential, and reduce the rectified transport when particles are mainly trapped in the potential well.