IPMC-Based Purcell’s Three-Link Swimmer: Simulations and Experiments at Low-Reynolds Conditions

Cristina Nuevo-Gallardo*, Inés Tejado*, Andres Hunt, Blas M. Vinagre

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

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Abstract

The Purcell’s swimmer, consisting of three links with two one-degree-of-freedom joints as defined by Edward M. Purcell, has been studied by several authors since its introduction in 1977. Researchers have delved into its mathematical foundations, analysing and optimising its motion for efficient propulsion. However, despite these theoretical advances, the practical realisation and experimental characterisation of Purcell’s swimmers remains relatively unexplored. Critical aspects such as material selection, manufacturing techniques, and experimental validation under real conditions represent important knowledge gaps. This paper contributes to bridging this gap by presenting a prototype of such a swimmer using ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) as link actuators. A simulation model is developed based on physical modelling tools in MATLAB®/Simulink®. Both simulation and experimental results at low-Reynolds-number ((Formula presented.)) conditions are presented to demonstrate the performance of the swimmer.

Original languageEnglish
Article number498
Number of pages22
JournalActuators
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • flexible
  • IPMC
  • low-Reynolds number
  • modelling
  • prototype
  • Purcell’s swimmer

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