Synchronization in cilia carpets: multiple metachronal waves are stable, but one wave dominates

Abstract Carpets of actively bending cilia represent arrays biological oscillators that can exhibit self-organized metachronal synchronization in the form traveling waves phase. This coordination supposedly enhances fluid transport by carpets. Using a multi-scale model calibrated an experimental beat pattern, we predict multi-stability wave modes. Yet, single mode, corresponding to dexioplectic wave, has predominant basin-of-attraction. Similar ‘dynamic’ Mermin–Wagner theorem, relaxation times diverge with system size, which rules out global order infinite systems. In finite systems, characterize transition as function quenched frequency disorder, using generalized Kuramoto parameters. Our framework termed Lagrangian mechanics active systems allows direction and stability for given patterns.