How efficient is towing a cargo by a micro-swimmer?
classification
⚛️ physics.flu-dyn
keywords
draggingloadswimmertowingcargoefficiencyefficientfinite
read the original abstract
We study the properties of arbitrary micro-swimmers towing a passive load through a viscous liquid. The simple close-form expression for the dragging efficiency of a general micro-swimmer dragging a distant load is found, and the leading order approximation for finite mutual separation is derived. We show that, while swimmer can be arbitrarily efficient, dragging efficiency is always bounded from above. It is also demonstrated, that opposite to Purcell's assumption, the hydrodynamic coupling can ''help" the swimmer to drag the load. We support our conclusions by rigorous numerical calculations for the "necklace-shaped" swimmer, towing a spherical cargo positioned at a finite distance.
This paper has not been read by Pith yet.
discussion (0)
Sign in with ORCID, Apple, or X to comment. Anyone can read and Pith papers without signing in.