Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Assembly and Characterization of an External Driver for the Generation of Sub-Kilohertz Oscillatory Flow in Microchannels
Published on: January 28, 2022
Self-sufficient self-oscillating microsystem driven by low power at low Reynolds numbers
Farzin Akbar1, Boris Rivkin1, Azaam Aziz1
1Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Leibniz IFW Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
Abstract:
Oscillations at several hertz are a key feature of dynamic behavior of various biological entities, such as the pulsating heart, firing neurons, or the sperm-beating flagellum. Inspired by nature’s fundamental self-oscillations, we use electroactive polymer microactuators and three-dimensional microswitches to create a synthetic electromechanical parametric relaxation oscillator (EMPRO) that relies on the shape change of micropatterned polypyrrole and generates a rhythmic motion at biologically relevant stroke frequencies of up to ~95 Hz. We incorporate an Ag-Mg electrochemical battery into the EMPRO for autonomous operation in a nontoxic environment. Such a self-sufficient self-oscillating microsystem offers new opportunities for artificial life at low Reynolds numbers by, for instance, mimicking and replacing nature’s propulsion and pumping units.
Related Concept Videos
Poiseuille's Law and Reynolds Number
Oscillations In An LC Circuit
RLC Circuit as a Damped Oscillator
Consider a series RLC circuit. Here, the presence of resistance in the circuit leads to energy loss due to joule heating in the resistance. Therefore, the total electromagnetic energy in the circuit is no longer constant and decreases with time. Since the magnitude of charge, current, and potential difference continuously decreases, their oscillations are said to be damped. This is...
Damped Oscillations
Although friction and other non-conservative...
Forced Oscillations
Steady, Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates

