Exact solution of a Brownian inchworm model for self-propulsion

TL;DR

This paper provides an exact analytical solution to a Brownian inchworm model that describes self-propulsion mechanisms across various biological and physical systems, unifying different propulsion models.

Contribution

It offers the first exact solution to a Brownian inchworm model, advancing understanding of self-propulsion in elastic dimers and related systems.

Findings

Exact solution derived for the model

Unifies diverse propulsion mechanisms

Provides insights into biological and physical self-propulsion

Abstract

We present the exact solution of a Brownian inchworm model of a self-propelled elastic dimer which has recently been proposed in [K. V. Kumar \textit{et al}, Phys. Rev. E \textbf{77}, 020102(R) (2008)] as a unifying model for the propulsion mechanisms of DNA helicase, polar rods on a vibrated surface, crawling keratocytes, and Myosin VI.