English

Comparison of Hard-Core and Soft-Core Potentials for Modelling Flocking in Free Space

Other Condensed Matter 2009-05-15 v1 Adaptation and Self-Organizing Systems Biological Physics Populations and Evolution

Abstract

An investigation into the properties of a two dimensional (2D+1) system of self propelled particles (known as boids) in free space is conducted using a Lagrangian Individual-Based Model. A potential, associated with each boid is specified and a Lagrangian is subsequently derived in order to obtain the equations of motion for each particle in the flock. The Morse potential and the Lennard-Jones potential, both well understood in atomic and molecular physics, are specified. In contrast to the original model proposed by Vicsek [Phys. Rev. Lett. 75, 1226 (1995)] systems are considered with open boundary conditions. These two models successfully replicate the phases observed in Vicsek's original model, as well as several other significant phases, providing a realistic model of a wide range of flocking phenomena.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.0905.2260,
  title  = {Comparison of Hard-Core and Soft-Core Potentials for Modelling Flocking in Free Space},
  author = {J. A Smith and A. M Martin},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0905.2260},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

9 pages, 6 figures, 1 table

R2 v1 2026-06-21T13:02:06.065Z