Purcell swimmer near a wall
Enrico Micalizio, Marco Morandotti, Henry Shum, Marta Zoppello · 2026
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Description
Enrico Micalizio and colleagues analyzed in 2026 how a classic microswimmer moves near a wall. The Purcell swimmer, three hinged links that wiggle to push through viscous fluid, is a standard model for microbes and future microrobots. Earlier theory assumed open water, so the team rebuilt the equations with drag altered by a nearby no-slip wall.
Using geometric control theory, they proved the swimmer stays locally controllable when it lies nearly parallel to the wall, for any ratio between the middle link and the outer links. Calculations identified the link ratio that maximizes forward travel per wiggle cycle. Numerical tests then covered slightly tilted swimmers and checked the approximations behind the proof. The results help plan motions for swimmers that must work along surfaces.
Catalog record
| CREATOR | Enrico Micalizio, Marco Morandotti, Henry Shum, Marta Zoppello |
|---|---|
| YEAR | 2026 |
| COLLECTION | PAPERS |
| FORMAT | TXT |
| FILE SIZE | 104 KB |
| VERSION | 1.0 |
| LICENSE | CC BY 4.0 |
| RIGHTS | CC BY |
| SOURCE | Europe PMC |