Abstract
In a recent letter (Friedrich et al 2012 Phys. Rev. Lett.109 138102), a minimal model swimmer has been proposed that propels itself at low Reynolds numbers by the revolving motion of a pair of spheres. The motion of the two spheres can synchronize by virtue of a hydrodynamic coupling that depends on the motion of the swimmer, but is rather independent of direct hydrodynamic interactions. This novel synchronization mechanism could account for the synchronization of a pair of flagella, e.g. in the green algae Chlamydomonas. In this paper, we discuss in detail how swimming and synchronization depend on the geometry of the model swimmer and compute the swimmer design for optimal synchronization. Our analysis highlights the role of broken symmetries in swimming and synchronization.
Highlights
Hydrodynamics at the scale of a single cell can be counter-intuitive, as inertia is negligible and propulsion by thrust becomes impossible [1,2,3]
We presented a simple model swimmer to demonstrate a generic mechanism for hydrodynamic synchronization
This synchronization mechanism depends on the bidirectional coupling between the phase dynamics of two oscillators that propel the swimmer and the resultant swimming motion
Summary
Hydrodynamics at the scale of a single cell can be counter-intuitive, as inertia is negligible and propulsion by thrust becomes impossible [1,2,3]. Simple model swimmers became an indispensable tool to explore basic principles of swimming at low Reynolds numbers, both theoretically [6,7,8,9] and experimentally [10,11,12] Already in his early work [5], Taylor addressed the striking biological phenomenon of synchronization among beating flagella. Simple model systems served as a proof of principle that synchronization by hydrodynamic forces is possible, both in theory [28,29,30,31,32,33] and experiment [34,35,36,37,38] These model systems demonstrated clearly the need for non-reversible phase dynamics and broken symmetries [39].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
