Ferromagnetic microswimmers.
We propose a model for a novel artificial low Reynolds number swimmer, based on the magnetic interactions of a pair of ferromagnetic particles: one with hard and the other with soft magnetic properties, connected by a linear spring. Using a computational model, we analyze the behavior of the system and demonstrate that for realistic values of the parameters involved, the swimmer is capable of self-propelling with average speeds of the order of hundreds of micrometers per second.
Ogrin
Feodor Y
FY
School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, United Kingdom. F.Y.Ogrin@exeter.ac.uk
Petrov
Peter G
PG
Winlove
C Peter
CP
D016880:Anisotropy; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry; D004548:Elasticity; D005290:Ferric Compounds; D005407:Flagella / Q000502:physiology; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry
D005290:Ferric Compounds; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; C001215:ferrite; D004247:DNA