Testing and modelling of a biomimetric swimmer

In the present study, a biomimetic swimmer, which propels itself by mimicking the helical flagella motion of microorganisms, is developed. The free swimming model propelled by a helical tail with a pitch angle of 30°, 45° and 60° respectively is tested in a silicone oil bath at a Reynolds number around 0.17. Its propulsive velocity, induced angular velocity and propulsive thrust are measured in the experiments and they are also compared with those predicted using resistive-force theory. It is found that both the measured and the predicted propulsive velocity and thrust exhibit a maximum for the 45° helical tail. A good agreement between the measured and the predicted propulsive velocities of the swimmer is also achieved.