Self-Propelled Rods: Linking Alignment-Dominated and Repulsion-Dominated Active Matter

Abstract

We study a robust model of self-propelled rods interacting via volume exclusion and show that its collective dynamics encompasses both that of the corresponding Vicsek-style model (where local alignment is the sole interaction), and motility-induced phase separation (which occurs when repulsion is dominant). These results unify these heretofore largely disconnected bodies of knowledge on dry active matter and clarify the nature of the various phases involved.

5 pages, 6 figures, supplementary information and movies are available upon request