Low Reynolds Number Swimming Near Interfaces in Multi-Fluid Media

Microorganisms often swim within heterogeneous fluid media composed of multiple materials with very different properties. The swimming speed is greatly affected by the composition and rheology fluidic environment. In addition, biological locomotions are also strongly influenced presence phase boundaries free interfaces, across which physical properties may vary significantly. Using a two-fluid immersed boundary method, we investigate classical Taylor’s sheet problem near interfaces multi-fluid media. accuracy methodology illustrated through comparisons analytical solutions. Our simulation results indicate that interface dynamics separation in mixture closely coupled movement swimmer. Depending on location, frictional coefficient, composition, swimmer can move faster or slower than single fluid.