How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer?

Details How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer? How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer?

2008-01-25

arxiv.org/abs/0801.3884v1

Phys. Rev. E 77, 055305 (2008)

Physics

Fluid Dynamics

4 pages, 3 figures

Scientific paper

We study the properties of arbitrary micro-swimmers towing a passive load through a viscous liquid. The simple close-form expression for the dragging efficiency of a general micro-swimmer dragging a distant load is found, and the leading order approximation for finite mutual separation is derived. We show that, while swimmer can be arbitrarily efficient, dragging efficiency is always bounded from above. It is also demonstrated, that opposite to Purcell's assumption, the hydrodynamic coupling can ''help" the swimmer to drag the load. We support our conclusions by rigorous numerical calculations for the "necklace-shaped" swimmer, towing a spherical cargo positioned at a finite distance.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer? does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-412251