Run-and-tumble particles with hydrodynamics: sedimentation, trapping, and upstream swimming

Phys Rev Lett. 2010 Jun 25;104(25):258101. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.258101. Epub 2010 Jun 22.

Abstract

We simulate by lattice Boltzmann the nonequilibrium steady states of run-and-tumble particles (inspired by a minimal model of bacteria), interacting by far-field hydrodynamics, subject to confinement. Under gravity, hydrodynamic interactions barely perturb the steady state found without them, but for particles in a harmonic trap such a state is quite changed if the run length is larger than the confinement length: a self-assembled pump is formed. Particles likewise confined in a narrow channel show a generic upstream flux in Poiseuille flow: chiral swimming is not required.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / cytology*
  • Bacterial Physiological Phenomena*
  • Gravitation
  • Hydrodynamics
  • Models, Biological*
  • Swimming