No Arabic abstract
We present a multi-scale modeling and simulation framework for low-Reynolds number hydrodynamics of shape-changing immersed objects, e.g., biological microswimmers and active surfaces. The key idea is to consider principal shape changes as generalized coordinates, and define conjugate generalized hydrodynamic friction forces. Conveniently, the corresponding generalized friction coefficients can be pre-computed and subsequently re-used to solve dynamic equations of motion fast. This framework extends Lagrangian mechanics of dissipative systems to active surfaces and active microswimmers, whose shape dynamics is driven by internal forces. As an application case, we predict in-phase and anti-phase synchronization in pairs of cilia for an experimentally measured cilia beat pattern.
We discuss the flow field and propulsion velocity of active droplets, which are driven by body forces residing on a rigid gel. The latter is modelled as a porous medium which gives rise to permeation forces. In the simplest model, the Brinkman equation, the porous medium is characterised by a single length scale $ell$ --the square root of the permeability. We compute the flow fields inside and outside of the droplet as well as the energy dissipation as a function of $ell$. We furthermore show that there are optimal gel fractions, giving rise to maximal linear and rotational velocities. In the limit $elltoinfty$, corresponding to a very dilute gel, we recover Stokes flow. The opposite limit, $ellto 0$, corresponding to a space filling gel, is singular and not equivalent to Darcys equation, which cannot account for self-propulsion.
How fast must an oriented collection of extensile swimmers swim to escape the instability of viscous active suspensions? We show that the answer lies in the dimensionless combination $R=rho v_0^2/2sigma_a$, where $rho$ is the suspension mass density, $v_0$ the swim speed and $sigma_a$ the active stress. Linear stability analysis shows that for small $R$ disturbances grow at a rate linear in their wavenumber $q$, and that the dominant instability mode involves twist. The resulting steady state in our numerical studies is isotropic hedgehog-defect turbulence. Past a first threshold $R$ of order unity we find a slower growth rate, of $O(q^2)$; the numerically observed steady state is {it phase-turbulent}: noisy but {it aligned} on average. We present numerical evidence in three and two dimensions that this inertia driven flocking transition is continuous, with a correlation length that grows on approaching the transition. For much larger $R$ we find an aligned state linearly stable to perturbations at all $q$. Our predictions should be testable in suspensions of mesoscale swimmers [D Klotsa, Soft Matter textbf{15}, 8946 (2019)].
We propose a new look at the heat bath for two Brownian particles, in which the heat bath as a `system is both perturbed and sensed by the Brownian particles. Non-local thermal fluctuation give rise to bath-mediated static forces between the particles. Based on the general sum-rule of the linear response theory, we derive an explicit relation linking these forces to the friction kernel describing the particles dynamics. The relation is analytically confirmed in the case of two solvable models and could be experimentally challenged. Our results point out that the inclusion of the environment as a part of the whole system is important for micron- or nano-scale physics.
We study the flow of membranal fluid through a ring of immobile particles mimicking, for example, a fence around a membrane corral. We obtain a simple closed-form expression for the permeability coefficient of the ring as a function of the particles line fraction. The analytical results agree with those of numerical calculations and are found to be robust against changes in particle number and corral shape. From the permeability results we infer the collective diffusion coefficient of lipids through the ring and discuss possible implications for collective lipid transport in a crowded membrane.
Cell motility in viscous fluids is ubiquitous and affects many biological processes, including reproduction, infection, and the marine life ecosystem. Here we review the biophysical and mechanical principles of locomotion at the small scales relevant to cell swimming (tens of microns and below). The focus is on the fundamental flow physics phenomena occurring in this inertia-less realm, and the emphasis is on the simple physical picture. We review the basic properties of flows at low Reynolds number, paying special attention to aspects most relevant for swimming, such as resistance matrices for solid bodies, flow singularities, and kinematic requirements for net translation. Then we review classical theoretical work on cell motility: early calculations of the speed of a swimmer with prescribed stroke, and the application of resistive-force theory and slender-body theory to flagellar locomotion. After reviewing the physical means by which flagella are actuated, we outline areas of active research, including hydrodynamic interactions, biological locomotion in complex fluids, the design of small-scale artificial swimmers, and the optimization of locomotion strategies.