Title: An elastic rod model for anguilliform swimming

Abstract: I will describe a model for anguilliform (eel-like) swimming as an elastic rod actuated via time-dependent intrinsic curvature and subject to hydrodynamic drag forces, the latter as proposed by G.I. Taylor. We employ a geometrically exact theory and discretize the resulting nonlinear partial differential equation both to perform numerical simulations, and to compare with previous models consisting of chains of rigid links or masses connected by springs, dampers, and prescribed force generators representing muscles. I will show how muscle activation driven by motoneuronal spike trains produce intrinsic curvatures corresponding to near-sinusoidal body shapes in longitudinally-uniform rods, but that passive elasticity causes Taylor's assumption of prescribed shape to fail, leading to time-periodic motions and lower speeds than those predicted by Taylor.

I will discuss the implications of the elastic rod model as it relates to physical properties of swimming animals, and how this differs from previous models like Taylor's.