PREDATOR-PRAY SWARM INTERACTION IN 2D:NUMERICAL SIMULATION

Abstract

In the present work is described an ordinary differential system of equations forsimulating the swarming behavior of preys in the presence of a predator. Preys and predatorare represented by a set of ODEs taking in account the Newtonian attraction-repulsion forces.The predator interact with the preys through a Newtonian force, which is a nonconservativeforce (includes friction) that acts in the same direction for both agents. A perturbing force isintroduced for the predator dynamics in order to simulate its behavior among preys. Theresulting system of ordinary differential equations is solved numerically by Runge-Kutta offourth order and the dynamics are discussed in the present work as the swarm's ability torealistically avoid the predator. The main goal is to reproduce swarm behavior that has beenobserved in nature with the minimal and simple possible model of ODE system.