Swimming in a yield stress fluid

ORAL

Abstract

We extend G.I. Taylor's classic model of swimming in a viscous fluid using a wavy cylindrical tail by adding a yield stress to the ambient medium. We calculate how the swimming speed is modified for waves of both low and high amplitude. We examine the flow patterns created around the swimmer as it locomotes and comment on designing strategies for optimal progress.

Authors

  • Neil Balmforth

    University of British Columbia

  • Duncan Hewitt

    Univ of Cambridge, University of Cambridge