  We perform computer simulations to explore the escape dynamics of a
self-propelled (active) nanorod from circular confinements with narrow
opening(s). Our results clearly demonstrate how the persistent and directed
motion of the nanorod helps it to escape. Such escape events are absent if the
nanorod is passive. To quantify the escape dynamics, we compute the radial
probability density function (RPDF) and mean first escape time (MFET) and show
how the activity is responsible for the bimodality of RPDF, which is clearly
absent if the nanorod is passive. The broadening of displacement distributions
with activity has also been observed. The computed mean first escape time
decreases with activity. In contrast, the fluctuations of the first escape
times vary in a non-monotonic way. This results high values of the coefficient
of variation and indicates the presence of multiple timescales in first escape
time distributions and multimodality in uniformity index distributions. We hope
our study will help in differentiating activity-driven escape dynamics from
purely thermal passive diffusion in confinement.

Soft Condensed Matter;Statistical Mechanics