Chapter 12: Nonlinear Dynamics of Active Deformable Particles

In this chapter, we introduce the modelling of active deformable particles based on symmetry considerations. Because examples of active particles are found in various systems including both biological and synthetic ones, besides detailed modelling of each specific system, it is important to develop general descriptions. For deformable active particles, we construct a theory by focusing on a mode description of the shape deformation. In particular, we identify a minimal model for the basic dynamical modes of directional motion, reciprocating motion and spinning motion.