The effect of particle geometry on squirming in a heterogeneous medium

Micro-organisms encounter heterogeneous viscous environments due to networks of obstacles embedded into viscous fluid media. In this talk we present a numerical investigation of the effects of shape on swimming in such a heterogeneous medium. Specifically, we analyze the microorganism's propulsion speed as well as its energetic cost and swimming efficiency. The analysis allows us to probe the general characteristics of swimming in a heterogeneous viscous environment in comparison with the case in a purely viscous fluid.