(41d) Exploiting Soft Surfaces For Propulsion

In the realm of low-Reynolds number locomotion, the linearity of Stokes equations leads to constraints on the type of swimming strokes which can be effective. In particular, reciprocal strokes, which are identical under time reversal, cannot lead to any locomotion. In this talk, we show how the deformation of a nearby soft surface can rectify reciprocal strokes and lead to net locomotion.