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arXiv · 1011.1134

Generic Conditions for Hydrodynamic Synchronization

Nariya Uchida·Ramin Golestanian
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Abstract

Synchronization of actively oscillating organelles such as cilia and flagella facilitates self-propulsion of cells and pumping fluid in low Reynolds number environments. To understand the key mechanism behind synchronization induced by hydrodynamic interaction, we study a model of rigid-body rotors making fixed trajectories of arbitrary shape under driving forces that are arbitrary functions of the phases. For a wide class of geometries, we obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for synchronization of a pair of rotors. We also find a novel synchronized pattern with a time-dependent phase shift. Our results shed light on the role of hydrodynamic interactions in biological systems, and could help in developing efficient mixing and transport strategies in microfluidic devices.

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Nariya Uchida, Ramin Golestanian. 2010-11-04. Generic Conditions for Hydrodynamic Synchronization. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.106.058104

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