Flocking and collective behaviour in simple models of interacting agents
abstract : Simple physical models of active matter aim to capture generic aspects of the collective behaviour of living systems. We present two models of interacting particles, where the large-scale (hydrodynamic) behaviour can be derived exactly. These models support flocking behaviour [1] as well as dynamical pattern formation [2], which is reminiscent of predator-prey systems. The origin of some of these phenomena can be traced back to equilibrium phase transitions; others can be rationalised using bifurcation theory. We discuss the modelling assumptions that enable this exact analysis, and their implications.[1] T Agranov, RL Jack, ME Cates, and E Fodor, New J Phys 26, 063006 (2024).
[2] J Mason, RL Jack, and M Bruna, arXiv:2408.03932.
[2] J Mason, RL Jack, and M Bruna, arXiv:2408.03932.