Geometric visualization of self-propulsion in a complex medium
Soft Condensed Matter
2013-02-22 v1 Biological Physics
Fluid Dynamics
Abstract
Combining geometric mechanics theory, laboratory robotic experiment and numerical simulation, we study the locomotion in granular media (GM) of the simplest non-inertial swimmer, the Purcell three-link swimmer. Using granular resistive force laws as inputs, the theory relates translation and rotation of the body to shape changes (movements of the links). This allows analysis, visualization, and prediction of effective movements that are verified by experiment. The geometric approach also facilitates comparison between swimming in GM and in viscous fluids.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1302.5105,
title = {Geometric visualization of self-propulsion in a complex medium},
author = {Ross L. Hatton and Yang Ding and Howie Choset and Daniel I. Goldman},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1302.5105},
year = {2013}
}
Comments
4 pages, 5 figures, published in Physical Review Letters 2013