Paper detail

Differentiating swarming models by mimicking a frustrated anti-Ferromagnet

Self propelled particle (SPP) models are often compared with animal swarms. However, the collective behaviour observed in experiments usually leaves considerable unconstrained freedom in the structure of these models. To tackle this degeneracy, and better distinguish between candidate models, we study swarms of SPPs circulating in channels (like spins) where we permit information to pass through windows between neighbouring channels. Co-alignment between particles then couples the channels (antiferromagnetically) so that they tend to counter-rotate. We study channels arranged to mimic a geometrically frustrated antiferromagnet and show how the effects of this frustration allow us to better distinguish between SPP models. Similar experiments could therefore improve our understanding of collective motion in animals. Finally we discuss how the spin analogy can be exploited to construct universal logic gates and therefore swarming systems that can function as Turing machines.