title: Numerical model of self-propulsion in a fluid.
abstract: We provide initial evidence that a structure formed from an articulated series of linked elements, where each element has a given stiffness, damping and driving term with respect to its neighbours, may 'swim' through a fluid under certain conditions. We derive a Lagrangian for this system and, in particular, we note that we allow the leading edge to move along the x-axis. We assume that no lateral displacement of the leading edge of the structure is possible, although head 'yaw' is allowed. The fluid is simulated using a computational fluid dynamics technique, and we are able to determine and solve Euler-Lagrange equations for the structure. These two calculations are solved simultaneously by using a weakly coupled solver. We illustrate our method by showing that we are able to induce both forward and backward swimming. A discussion of the relevance of these simulations to a slowly swimming body, such as a mechanical device or a fish, is given.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Science, Department of Medicine Daulby Street, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK. d.farnell@liverpool.ac.uk
authors.forename: D J J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Farnell
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Barton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*