Mechanical Response of a Small Swimmer Driven by Conformational Transitions

Ramin Golestanian; Armand Ajdari

doi:10.1103/physrevlett.100.038101

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arXiv · 0711.4473

Mechanical Response of a Small Swimmer Driven by Conformational Transitions

Ramin Golestanian·Armand Ajdari

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Abstract

A conformation space kinetic model is constructed to drive the deformation cycle of a three-sphere swimmer to achieve propulsion at low Reynolds number. We analyze the effect of an external load on the performance of this kinetic swimmer, and show that it depends sensitively on where the force is exerted, so that there is no general force--velocity relation. We discuss how the conformational cycle of such swimmers should be designed to increase their performance in resisting forces applied at specific points.

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Ramin Golestanian, Armand Ajdari. 2007-11-28. Mechanical Response of a Small Swimmer Driven by Conformational Transitions. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.100.038101

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