Optimizing snake locomotion in the plane. I. Computations
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).
- Publication:
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arXiv e-prints
- Pub Date:
- April 2013
- DOI:
- 10.48550/arXiv.1304.4479
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1304.4479
- Bibcode:
- 2013arXiv1304.4479A
- Keywords:
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- Physics - Biological Physics
- E-Print:
- 39 pages, 16 figures