Stokesian Jellyfish

ORAL

Abstract

Most studies into the swimming of microscopic organisms are directed at flagellated cells, ciliated bodies, or other biologically relevant models. However, biological systems need not be emulated in order to produce locomotion. We present here a proof-of-principle model for a closed bilayer vesicle swimming at low Reynolds number due to a prescribed physically-actuated shape change of the surface. By modulating the volume and membrane composition of the vesicle via osmotic or colloidal effects, the vesicle shapes change continuously in thermal equilibrium, leading to non-reciprocal deformation, and therefore swimming, if the proper conditions are satisfied.

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Authors

  • Arthur Evans

    • University of California, San Diego

  • Saverio Spagnolie

    • 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