Particle-scale statistical theory for hydrodynamically induced polar ordering in microswimmer suspensions

TL;DR

This paper develops a microscopic statistical theory to explain why puller microswimmers tend to spontaneously align and form polar order, unlike pushers, based on hydrodynamic interactions and stability analysis.

Contribution

The paper introduces a linear instability analysis using a pair-distribution function approach to explain polar ordering in microswimmer suspensions, highlighting differences between pullers and pushers.

Findings

Puller microswimmers exhibit an inherent tendency for polar order due to hydrodynamic interactions.

Pushers remain linearly stable and do not spontaneously polar order.

Hydrodynamic rotation-translation coupling drives orientational ordering in puller suspensions.

Abstract

Previous particle-based computer simulations have revealed a significantly more pronounced tendency of spontaneous global polar ordering in puller (contractile) microswimmer suspensions than in pusher (extensile) suspensions. We here evaluate a microscopic statistical theory to investigate the emergence of such order through a linear instability of the disordered state. For this purpose, input concerning the orientation-dependent pair-distribution function is needed, and we discuss corresponding approaches, particularly a heuristic variant of the Percus test-particle method applied to active systems. Our theory identifies an inherent evolution of polar order in planar systems of puller microswimmers, if mutual alignment due to hydrodynamic interactions overcomes the thermal dealignment by rotational diffusion. In the theory, the cause of orientational ordering can be traced back to the actively induced hydrodynamic rotation--translation coupling between the swimmers. Conversely, disordered pusher suspensions remain linearly stable against homogeneous polar orientational ordering. We expect that our results can be confirmed in experiments on (semi-)dilute active microswimmer suspensions, based, for instance, on biological pusher- and puller-type swimmers.