Low Reynolds Numbers Biolocomotion
Optimal Kinematics of Model Cilia. On small scales below millimeters, a common mechanism devised by nature to transport fluids is to exploit the time-varying deformation of flagella or cilia. Many small organisms and cells swim in a viscous environment using the active motion of these hair-like appendages which undergo periodic motion and use hydrodynamic friction to induce cellular self-propulsion. Similarly, the transport of fluid along a stationary biological is often achieved through the collective beating of cilia.
In my Master Thesis, under the supervision of Prof. Eric Lauga, I studied physical models for the dynamics of single or multiple cilia as well as ciliated microswimmers by focusing on the analytical and computational determination of their optimal kinematics. References:
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