Simple swimmer at low Reynolds number: Three linked spheres
Abstract
We propose a very simple one-dimensional swimmer consisting of three spheres that are linked by rigid rods whose lengths can change between two values. With a periodic motion in a nonreciprocal fashion, which breaks the time-reversal symmetry as well as the translational symmetry, we show that the model device can swim at low Reynolds number. This model system could be used in constructing molecular-sized machines.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review E
- Pub Date:
- June 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevE.69.062901
- arXiv:
- arXiv:cond-mat/0402070
- Bibcode:
- 2004PhRvE..69f2901N
- Keywords:
-
- 87.19.St;
- 47.15.Gf;
- 67.40.Hf;
- Movement and locomotion;
- Hydrodynamics in specific geometries flow in narrow channels;
- Soft Condensed Matter