Optimal Actuation of Flagellar Magnetic Micro-Swimmers

TL;DR

This paper introduces a numerical optimization-based method for designing optimal magnetic actuation of flagellar microswimmers, enabling faster 3D figure-8 swimming trajectories validated experimentally.

Contribution

It presents a novel optimization approach that improves swimmer speed and allows out-of-plane motion, advancing control strategies for magnetic microswimmers.

Findings

Faster propulsion achieved with out-of-plane actuation.

New magnetic actuation method outperforms sinusoidal control.

Experimental validation confirms improved swimming performance.

Abstract

We present an automated procedure for the design of optimal actuation for flagellar magnetic microswimmers based on numerical optimization. Using this method, a new magnetic actuation method is provided which allows these devices to swim significantly faster compared to the usual sinusoidal actuation. This leads to a novel swimming strategy which makes the swimmer perform a 3D figure-8 trajectory. This shows that a faster propulsion is obtained when the swimmer is allowed to go out-of-plane. This approach is experimentally validated on a scaled-up flexible swimmer.