We investigate the effects of hydrodynamic interactions between microorganisms swimming at low Reynolds numbers, treating them as a control system. We employ Lie brackets analysis to examine the motion of two neighboring three-link swimmers interacting through the ambient fluid in which they propel themselves. Our analysis reveals that the hydrodynamic interaction has a dual consequence: on one hand, it diminishes the system's efficiency; on the other hand, it dictates that the two microswimmers must synchronize their motions to attain peak performance. Our findings are further corroborated by numerical simulations of the governing equations of motion.

Purcell’s swimmers in pairs / Attanasi, R.; Zoppello, M.; Napoli, G.. - In: PHYSICAL REVIEW. E. - ISSN 2470-0053. - 109:2(2024), pp. 1-14. [10.1103/PhysRevE.109.024601]

Purcell’s swimmers in pairs

Zoppello M.;
2024

Abstract

We investigate the effects of hydrodynamic interactions between microorganisms swimming at low Reynolds numbers, treating them as a control system. We employ Lie brackets analysis to examine the motion of two neighboring three-link swimmers interacting through the ambient fluid in which they propel themselves. Our analysis reveals that the hydrodynamic interaction has a dual consequence: on one hand, it diminishes the system's efficiency; on the other hand, it dictates that the two microswimmers must synchronize their motions to attain peak performance. Our findings are further corroborated by numerical simulations of the governing equations of motion.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2990471