Hydrodynamic hovering of swimming bacteria above surfaces

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Htet, Pyae Hein and Das, Debasish and Lauga, Eric (2024) Hydrodynamic hovering of swimming bacteria above surfaces. Physical Review Research, 6 (3). L032070. ISSN 2643-1564 (https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevresearch.6.l032070)

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Abstract

Flagellated bacteria are hydrodynamically attracted to rigid walls, yet past work shows a "hovering"state where they swim stably at a finite height above surfaces. We use numerics and theory to reveal the physical origin of hovering. Simulations first show that hovering requires an elongated cell body and results from a tilt away from the wall. Theoretical models then identify two essential asymmetries: the response of width-asymmetric cells to active flows created by length-asymmetric cells. A minimal model reconciles near- and far-field hydrodynamics, capturing all key features of hovering.

ORCID iDs

Htet, Pyae Hein, Das, Debasish ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2365-4720 and Lauga, Eric;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)