Active granular monolayers (INVITED)

Abstract eng:
Imitations of motility in nonliving systems have proved an excellent testing ground for theories of the collective behaviour of self-propelled particle systems. Shape-asymmetric macroscopic grains strewn on a horizontal surface vibrated vertically offer a simple and surprisingly faithful motility mimic. In this setting we explore the behaviour of mixtures of tapered rods and spherical beads. The former display autonomous motility, the latter do not, and the combined system presents a rich range of phenomena including flocking at low motile-particle fractions. We present results from theory, simulation and experiment on these systems, including studies of the competition between flocking and crystalline order.

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