Transition in swimming direction in a model self-propelled inertial swimmer

Abstract

We propose a reciprocal, self-propelled model swimmer at intermediate Reynolds numbers ($Re$). Our swimmer consists of two unequal spheres that oscillate in antiphase generating nonlinear steady streaming (SS) flows. We show computationally that the SS flows enable the swimmer to propel itself, and also switch direction as $Re$ increases. We quantify the transition in the swimming direction by collapsing our data on a critical $Re$ and show that the transition in swimming directions corresponds to the reversal of the SS flows. Based on our findings, we propose that SS can be an important physical mechanism for motility at intermediate $Re$.

arXiv comment6 pages, 3 figures

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Cited by in corpus (12)

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• Kinematics of a simple reciprocal model swimmer at intermediate Reynolds numbers
• Streaming enhanced flow-mediated transport
• Inertia drives a flocking phase transition in viscous active fluids
• Reciprocal swimming at intermediate Reynolds number
• Unsteady and inertial dynamics of an active particle in a fluid
• Retarded hydrodynamic interaction between two spheres immersed in a viscous incompressible fluid
• From Propulsion to Suction: Unraveling Thrust Reversal in Propellers at Intermediate Reynolds Numbers
• Transition in steady streaming and pumping caused by a sphere oscillating in a viscous incompressible fluid
• Forces and symmetry breaking of a living meso-swimmer