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Artificial Soft Cilia with Asymmetric Beating Patterns for Biomimetic Low‐Reynolds‐Number Fluid Propulsion
Author(s) -
Milana Edoardo,
Gorissen Benjamin,
Peerlinck Sam,
Volder Michael,
Reynaerts Dominiek
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.201900462
Subject(s) - reynolds number , propulsion , asymmetry , cilium , mechanics , physics , classical mechanics , aerospace engineering , biology , engineering , turbulence , thermodynamics , quantum mechanics , microbiology and biotechnology
In nature, liquid propulsion in low‐Reynolds‐number regimes is often achieved by arrays of beating cilia with various forms of motion asymmetry. In particular, spatial asymmetry, where the cilia follow a different trajectory in their effective and recovery strokes, is an efficient way of generating flow in low Reynolds regimes. However, this type of asymmetry is difficult to mimic and control artificially. In this paper, an artificial soft cilium that comprises two pneumatic actuators that can be controlled individually is developed. These two independent degrees of freedom allow for the first time adjustment and study of spatial asymmetry in the cilium's beating pattern. Using low‐Reynolds‐number flow measurements, it is confirmed that spatial asymmetry allows for the generation of fluid propulsion. These two‐degree‐of‐freedom soft cilia provide a platform to study ciliary fluid transport mechanisms and to mimic biologic viscous propulsion.