2009/07/09 by Victor B. Putz, V. B. Putz, Julia M. Yeomans +1
Computer Science · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms #Line (geometry) #Micro and Nano Robotics #Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation #Phase (matter) #Position (finance) #Relative motion #Relative phase #cond-mat.soft #physics.bio-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1007/s10955-009-9826-x
17 pages, 8 figures
arxiv created 2009/07/09 · openalex publication_date 2009/09/23 · arxiv updated 2015/05/13 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
We define a model microswimmer with a variable cycle time, thus allowing the possibility of phase locking driven by hydrodynamic interactions between swimmers. We find that, for extensile or contractile swimmers, phase locking does occur, with the relative phase of the two swimmers being, in general, close to 0 or pi, depending on their relative position and orientation. We show that, as expected on grounds of symmetry, self T-dual swimmers, which are time-reversal covariant, do not phase-lock. We also discuss the phase behaviour of a line of tethered swimmers, or pumps. These show oscillations in their relative phases reminiscent of the metachronal waves of cilia.