Dynamic path dependence of phase behaviors in dense active system

TL;DR

This paper investigates how initial conditions influence the coexistence and transition between flocking and clustering phases in dense active particle systems, revealing path-dependent behaviors and bi-stability in non-equilibrium dynamics.

Contribution

It uncovers the dynamic path dependence and bi-stable states in active systems, highlighting the role of initial conditions in phase evolution without explicit attraction.

Findings

Bi-stable states depend on initial conditions.

Path dependence influences phase transitions.

Initial order affects the dominant phase.

Abstract

There are rich emergent phase behaviors in non-equilibrium active systems. Flocking and clustering are two representative dynamic phases. The relationship between these two phases is still unclear. In the paper, we numerically investigate the evolution of flocking and clustering in a system consisting of self-propelled particles with active reorientation. We consider the interplay between flocking and clustering phases under different initial states, and observe an unstable domain in order parameters phase diagrams due to initial states even in the absence of an explicit attraction. This point is different from the previous finding that active angular fluctuations lead to an earlier breakdown of collective motion and the emergence of a new bi-stable regime in the aligned active particles [R.Grossmann et al, New J. Phys.073033,14 (2012)]. In particular, we find that the existence of bi-stable states is due to the diversity of dynamic paths arising from different initial states. By increasing (decreasing) the initial degree of ordering, the bi-stable state can be shifted to a more ordered flocking (disordered clustering) state. These results enlighten us pave the way to manipulate emergent behaviors and collective motions of active system.