Optimization of flagellar swimming by a model sperm

B. U. Felderhof

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arXiv · 1412.3937

Optimization of flagellar swimming by a model sperm

B. U. Felderhof

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Abstract

The swimming of a bead-spring chain in a viscous incompressible fluid as a model of a sperm is studied in the framework of low Reynolds number hydrodynamics. The optimal mode in the class of planar flagellar strokes of small amplitude is determined on the basis of a generalized eigenvalue problem involving two matrices which can be evaluated from the mobility matrix of the set of spheres constituting the chain. For an elastic chain with a cargo constraint for its spherical head, the actuating forces yielding a nearly optimal stroke can be determined. These can be used in a Stokesian dynamics simulation of large amplitude swimming.

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B. U. Felderhof. 2014-12-12. Optimization of flagellar swimming by a model sperm. https://arxiv.org/abs/1412.3937

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