Regensburg 2019 – scientific programme
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DY: Fachverband Dynamik und Statistische Physik
DY 44: Active Matter C (joint session DY/CPP)
DY 44.6: Talk
Thursday, April 4, 2019, 11:30–11:45, H19
Autonomous engines driven by active matter: Energetics and design principles — •Patrick Pietzonka1, Etienne Fodor1, Christoph Lohrmann2, Michael E. Cates1, and Udo Seifert2 — 1Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, UK — 2II. Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Stuttgart, Germany
We explore how active matter in a non-equilibrium steady state can autonomously deliver mechanical work against a constant mechanical force or torque. For this purpose, we consider systems that contain one or several active components and a single passive component that is asymmetric in its geometrical shape or its interactions. Generally, one expects that such an asymmetry leads to a persistent, directed current in the passive component, which can be used for the extraction of work. We show which two-dimensional shapes of the passive particle are best suited for the extraction of work. Approximating their effect on the dynamics of the particles leads to analytical results for the power and efficiency. A mean field approach reveals that the interaction with the passive particle can mediate cooperativity between otherwise non-interacting active particles, leading to an enhanced efficiency.