Dynamic Clustering and Scaling Behavior of Active Particles under Confinement

Abstract

A systematic investigation of the dynamic clustering behavior of active particles under confinement, including the effects of both particle density and active driving force, is presented based on a hybrid coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation. First, a series of scaling laws are derived with power relationships for the dynamic clustering time as a function of both particle density and active driving force. Notably, the average number of clusters N¯ assembled from active particles in the simulation system exhibits a scaling relationship with clustering time t described by N¯∝t−m. Simultaneously, the scaling behavior of the average cluster size S¯ is characterized by S¯∝tm. Our findings reveal the presence of up to four distinct dynamic regions concerning clustering over time, with transitions contingent upon the particle density within the system. Furthermore, as the active driving force increases, the aggregation behavior also accelerates, while an increase in density of active particles induces alterations in the dynamic procession of the system.