Optimizing snake locomotion in the plane. I. Computations
Biological Physics
2013-04-17 v1
Abstract
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).
Cite
@article{arxiv.1304.4479,
title = {Optimizing snake locomotion in the plane. I. Computations},
author = {Silas Alben},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1304.4479},
year = {2013}
}
Comments
39 pages, 16 figures