Work

Shape Asymmetry and Flexibility in Active Cross-Stream Migration in Nonuniform Shear

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We show that activity and broken fore-aft shape symmetry enable microswimmers to cross streamlines in nonuniform shear, a key yet overlooked factor in active cross-stream migration. Using a model of flagellated microswimmers in microchannel flow, we find that hydrodynamic coupling and flagellar flexibility significantly impact migration. A simplified theory identifies key factors driving the underlying rich nonlinear dynamics. Our findings apply to dynamics and control of both living and artificial microswimmers, while the hydrodynamic framework extends to diverse shear flow scenarios.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/6k4f-25hv

Authors: Derek C. Gomes, Tapan C. Adhyapak

Institution: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green