Can we swim in superfluids?: Numerical demonstration of self-propulsion in a Bose-Einstein condensate

TL;DR

This paper numerically explores how deformable objects can self-propel in superfluids, showing that flexibility enables locomotion without wave excitation, unlike rigid bodies.

Contribution

It demonstrates that flexible swimmers can achieve propulsion in superfluids without emitting excitations, expanding understanding of superfluid dynamics and swimmer design.

Findings

Rigid articulated bodies cannot swim without emitting excitations.

Flexible swimmers can propel themselves without wave emission.

Flexibility is key for self-propulsion in superfluids.

Abstract

It is numerically investigated whether a deformable object can propel itself in a superfluid. Articulated bodies and multi-component condensates are examined as swimmers. An articulated two-body swimmer cannot obtain locomotion without emitting excitations. More flexible swimmers can do so without the need to excite waves.