Hosoi: Optimizing Low Reynolds Number Locomotion
May
9
Fri 2:00 PM
When Friday, May 9, 2008
Time
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where Tech M416
Contact Danielle Jackson
847-491-5586
Group McCormick-Colloquia Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics
Applied Math Colloquium
Title: Optimizing Low Reynolds Number Locomotion
Speaker: Anette (Peko) Hosoi, MIT
Abstract: In this talk I will discuss two optimization topics related to low Reynolds number locomotion: optimal stroke patterns in linked swimmers and optimal fluid material properties in adhesive locomotion. In the first case, we begin by optimizing stroke patterns for Purcell's 3-link swimmer modeled as a jointed chain of three slender links moving in an inertialess flow. We then go on to investigate uniflagellate and biflagellate organisms and compare the optimized results to biological data. In the second case, we analyze adhesive locomotion used by common gastropods such as snails and slugs. Such organisms crawl on a solid substrate by propagating muscular waves of shear stress on a viscoelastic mucus. Using a simple mechanical model, we derive criteria for favorable fluid material properties to lower the energetic cost of locomotion.
Title: Optimizing Low Reynolds Number Locomotion
Speaker: Anette (Peko) Hosoi, MIT
Abstract: In this talk I will discuss two optimization topics related to low Reynolds number locomotion: optimal stroke patterns in linked swimmers and optimal fluid material properties in adhesive locomotion. In the first case, we begin by optimizing stroke patterns for Purcell's 3-link swimmer modeled as a jointed chain of three slender links moving in an inertialess flow. We then go on to investigate uniflagellate and biflagellate organisms and compare the optimized results to biological data. In the second case, we analyze adhesive locomotion used by common gastropods such as snails and slugs. Such organisms crawl on a solid substrate by propagating muscular waves of shear stress on a viscoelastic mucus. Using a simple mechanical model, we derive criteria for favorable fluid material properties to lower the energetic cost of locomotion.
