Abstract
Inspired by the coordinated beating of the flagellar pair of the green algae Chlamydomonas, we study theoretically a simple, mirror-symmetric swimmer, which propels itself at low Reynolds number by a revolving motion of a pair of spheres. We show that perfect synchronization between these two driven spheres can occur due to the motion of the swimmer and local hydrodynamic friction forces. Hydrodynamic interactions, though crucial for net propulsion, contribute little to synchronization for this free-moving swimmer.
- Received 7 June 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.138102
© 2012 American Physical Society
Viewpoint
Out of Touch, But Not Out of Sync
Published 24 September 2012
With a simple ball and stick model, theorists explain how the two flagella on a swimming alga become synchronized.
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