2013/04/16 by Silas Alben, Alben, Silas
Physics and Astronomy · #Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #physics.bio-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1304.4479
39 pages, 16 figures
arxiv created 2013/04/16 · arxiv updated 2013/04/17
We develop a numerical scheme to determine which planar snake motions are optimal for locomotory efficiency, across a wide range of frictional parameter space. For a large coefficient of transverse friction, we find that retrograde traveling waves are optimal. The optimal snake deflection scales as the -1/4 power of the coefficient of transverse friction, in agreement with an asymptotic analysis. At the other extreme, zero coefficient of transverse friction, we propose a triangular direct wave which is optimal. Between these two extremes, a variety of complex, locally optimal motions are found. Some of these can be classified as standing waves (or ratcheting motions).