Abstract. We analyze the collective dynamics of self-propelling particles (spps) which move at small Reynolds numbers including the hydrodynamic coupling to the suspending solvent through numerical simulations. The velocity distribution functions show marked deviations from Gaussian behavior at short times, and the mean-square displacement at long times shows a transition from diffusive to ballistic motion for appropriate driving mechanism at low concentrations. We discuss the structures the spps form at long times and how they correlate to their dynamic behavior.

PACS numbers: 87.18.Hf, 05.10.-a, 82.70.Dd

Print publication: Issue 6 (September 2006)
Received 9 February 2006, in final form and accepted for publication 24 July 2006
Published 23 August 2006