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An oscillating-boundary-layer theory for ciliary propulsion

Brennen, C. (1974) An oscillating-boundary-layer theory for ciliary propulsion. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 65 (4). pp. 799-824. ISSN 0022-1120. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:BREjfm74

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Abstract

This paper analyses the locomotion of a finite body propelling itself through a viscous fluid by means of travelling harmonic motions of its surface. The methods are developed with application to the propulsion of ciliated micro-organisms in mind. Provided that the metachronal wavelength (of the surface motions) is much smaller than the overall dimensions of the body, the flow can be divided into an oscillating-boundary-layer flow to which is matched an external complementary Stokes flow. The present paper employs the envelope model of fluid/cilia interaction to construct equations of motion for the oscillating boundary layer. The final solution for the propulsive velocity is obtained by application of the condition of zero total force on the self-propelling body; alternatively, if the organism is held at rest, the thrust it generates can be computed. Various optimum propulsive velocities for self-propelling bodies and optimum thrusts for restrained bodies are analysed in some simple examples. The results are compared with the relatively sparse observations for a number of micro-organisms.


Item Type:Article
Additional Information:The author deeply appreciates the advice and encouragement of Professor T. Y. Wu and many suggestions and discussions with Dr John Blake, Dr Allen Chwang and Dr Howard Winet. This research was sponsored by the National Science Foundation under grant GK-31161X and by the Office of Naval Research under contract N00014-67-A-0094-0012. "Reprinted with the permission of Cambridge University Press."
Issue or Number:4
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:BREjfm74
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:BREjfm74
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:52
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Christopher Brennen
Deposited On:25 Aug 2004
Last Modified:02 Oct 2019 22:16

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