Sedimentation of pairs of hydrodynamically interacting semiflexible filaments

TL;DR

This paper investigates how hydrodynamic interactions influence the sedimentation behavior and morphology of pairs of semiflexible filaments under low Reynolds number conditions, revealing unique cooperative and symmetry-breaking effects.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of the interplay between elasticity and hydrodynamics in semiflexible filaments, highlighting novel motion behaviors not seen in rigid or purely elastic filaments.

Findings

Identification of distinct sedimentation regimes

Observation of symmetry-breaking motion patterns

Characterization of cooperative effects in filament pairs

Abstract

We describe the effect of hydrodynamic interactions in the sedimentation of a pair of inextensible semiflexible filaments under a uniform constant force at low Reynolds numbers. We have analyzed the different regimes and the morphology of such polymers in simple geometries, which allow us to highlight the peculiarities of the interplay between elastic and hydrodynamic stresses. Cooperative and symmetry breaking effects associated to the geometry of the fibers gives rise to characteristic motion which give them distinct properties from rigid and elastic filaments.