Thermodynamics of inertial active matter

• Applicant: Dr. Michael te Vrugt
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2023 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 525063330

Active matter, consisting of self-propelled particles (such as swimming bacteria or flying birds), has become one of the central fields of research in modern physics. Of particular interest is the thermodynamic description of active matter, since active systems are governed by other thermodynamic regularities than non-active ("passive") systems. Investigations of the thermodynamics of active matter generally assume that the inertia in active systems is negligible, i.e., that the friction is extremely strong. In active systems with inertia, however, even more interesting thermodynamic effects can occur, such as the spontaneous formation of temperature gradients. In this project, a microscopic theory will be developed and investigated in order to understand better the effects occurring in active matter with inertia from a thermodynamic perspective.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Host: Professor Dr. Michael E. Cates