Propulsion at low Reynolds number

Najafi, A.; Golestanian, R.

doi:10.1088/0953-8984/17/14/009

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Propulsion at low Reynolds number

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Golestanian, R.
Department of Living Matter Physics, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Max Planck Society;

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Citation

Najafi, A., & Golestanian, R. (2005). Propulsion at low Reynolds number. Journal of Physics Condensed Matter, 17(14), S1203-S1208. doi:10.1088/0953-8984/17/14/009.

Cite as: https://hdl.handle.net/21.11116/0000-0001-A724-A

Abstract

We study the propulsion of two model swimmers at low Reynolds number. Inspired by Purcell's model, we propose a very simple one-dimensional swimmer consisting of three spheres that are connected by two arms whose lengths can change between two values. The proposed swimmer can swim with a special type of motion, which breaks the time-reversal symmetry. We also show that an ellipsoidal membrane with tangential travelling wave on it can also propel itself in the direction preferred by the travelling wave. This system resembles the realistic biological animals like Paramecium. © 2005 IOP Publishing Ltd.