Abstract
•Fluid mechanics of bacterial motion is discussed numerically.•Glider is approximated as a 2D complex wavy sheet.•To capture the viscoelastic properties of slime FENE-P fluid model is utilized.•The gliding motion is highly dependent on slime rheology and wave amplitudes.
Prokaryote propulsion is bewilderingly diverse. Many bacteria swim through the fluid medium by rotating a long helical flagellum driven by a rotary motor, some have helical-shaped bodies and use mechanochemical filaments. Rod-shaped Bacteria (present near the solid wall) practice another mechanism of locomotion, generally called gliding motility. It is hypothesized that rod-shaped bacteria propel it selves by producing waves in their body and leaving an adhesive slime trail. Based on these observations, we use a mathematical model to examine the gliding motility of bacteria on a layer of non-Newtonian slime. FENE-P fluid model is approximated as a layer of non-Newtonian slime. Navier-Stokes equation is simplified using the lubrication assumption which results in a second-order differential equation. The bacterial speed, flow rate, and energy loss at larger values of the involved parameters are simulated using a blended numerical technique. Level curves and velocity of the slime are also drawn for the realistic pairs of speed and flow rate and are thoroughly explained.
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