Numerical modeling of straight and helical elastic rods under fluid flow using immersed boundary method

Abstract

This paper presents a three-dimensional computational model built using immersed boundary finite volume method to explore the dynamics of straight and helical elastic rods rotating under an applied fluid flow in a channel. Numerical simulations are done for low and high rotational frequencies of a base motor attached at one fixed end of the rods. Simulations reveal that under low rotational frequency, a straight rod (bend at free end) always performs stable twirling motion and eventually attains straight state (mechanical equilibrium) under an applied fluid flow. But on the other hand, for the same conditions a helical rod always keeps its helical shape during interaction with fluid and never attains stable straight state. For the case of high rotational frequency, the straight rod executes whirling motion in which it attains helical shape during all the time. Whirling motion is also observed for helical rod under high rotational frequency. For similar conditions, the instantaneous shapes obtained by straight and helical rods are different which indicates that the initial configuration of the rod as well as rotational frequency have significant impact in deciding the dynamics of the elastic rod under fluid flow. In the biological realm, these elastic rods represent flagellum of monotrichous bacteria which helps for propulsion in fluid. Hence, the present simulation results will help to develop efficient bacteria inspired artificial microrobot for biomedical applications. © 2022