Thrust Force Characteristic of Propulsion Mechanism Modeled on Bending Mechanism of Eukaryotic Flagella in Water

Abstract

The application of dynamics observed in organisms is very instructive in the field of engineering. We noted the utility of eukaryotic flagellar motion for propulsion in water, and made an enlarged propulsion mechanism modeled on the active sliding of microtubules in eukaryotic flagella. Active sliding between two rows of electromagnets on flexible beams corresponding to the active sliding of microtubules was used. Cyclic two-dimensional bending movement and positive thrust force of the propulsion mechanism were generated in water. We discussed the influence of the bending frequency, the number of waves, and the sliding length on the thrust force.