Synchronization of Swimming Microorganisms

ORAL

Abstract

Flagellated eukaryotic cells (such as spermatozoa) have been observed to synchronize their flagella when swimming in close proximity. Using a 2D model, we find that hydrodynamic interactions alone can lead to synchronization if the waveforms of the flagella display front-back asymmetry. Depending on the nature of the asymmetry, the phase-locked conformation can minimize or maximize the energy dissipated by the co-swimming cells. We show that due to kinematic reversibility, this front-back asymmetry is necessary for synchronization in a Newtonian fluid, and discuss the differences in a non-Newtonian fluid.

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Authors

  • Gwynn Elfring

    Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego

  • Eric Lauga

    University of California San Diego, UC San Diego, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, University of California, San Diego