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In analyzing a thin-walled hollow shaft subjected to torsional loading, a segment with width dx is isolated for examination. Despite its equilibrium state, this segment faces torsional shearing forces at its ends. These forces are quantitatively described by the product of the longitudinal shearing stress on the segment's minor surface and the area of this surface, leading to the concept of shear flow. This shear flow is consistent throughout the structure, indicating a uniform distribution...
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Flagellum Pumping Efficiency in Shear-Thinning Viscoelastic Fluids.

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Journal of Fluid Mechanics
|November 18, 2024
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Microorganism motility in complex fluids is affected by fluid properties. Shear-thinning viscoelastic fluids can significantly boost or degrade flagellar motor efficiency, impacting swimming performance.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Microorganism motility occurs in complex, viscoelastic fluids like mucus and biofilms.
  • Fluid viscoelasticity and microorganism propulsion interact, affecting swimming efficiency.
  • Nonlinear fluid responses arise from microorganism-generated stresses and strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how flagellar motor and fluid properties influence microorganism swimming efficiency.
  • To explore the impact of viscoelasticity, specifically shear-thinning, on propulsion dynamics.
  • To quantify the relationship between fluid rheology and microorganism motility.

Main Methods:

  • A computational immersed boundary model was developed.
  • Flagellar motor and filament properties were parameterized.
  • Fluid elastic relaxation and nonlinear shear-thinning properties were included.
  • Swimming efficiency was analyzed across a parameter space.

Main Results:

  • Swimming efficiency is co-dependent on propulsion mechanism and fluid properties.
  • Moderate to strong shear-thinning in viscoelastic fluids can boost or degrade motor efficiency.
  • The volumetric flow rate, a measure of motor efficiency, is sensitive to fluid rheology.

Conclusions:

  • Fluid viscoelasticity, particularly shear-thinning, plays a critical role in microorganism motility.
  • Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting microorganism behavior in biological environments.
  • The study provides insights into the biomechanics of swimming in complex fluids.