Sedimenting particles and swimming microorganisms in a rotating fluid

Kessler, J.O., Hill, N.A. , Strittmatter, R. and Wiseley, D. (1998) Sedimenting particles and swimming microorganisms in a rotating fluid. Advances in Space Research, 21(8-9), pp. 1269-1275. (doi: 10.1016/S0273-1177(97)00398-0)

Abstract

Experiments and calculations on the trajectories of micron-sized spheres, suspended in a fluid that fills a closed container which rotates about an axis perpendicular to g, relate to the planning and interpretation of clinostat experiments. For low Reynolds number motion, the orbits are nearly circular, the radius being inversely proportional to the rotation rate. The swimming direction of micro-organisms can be affected by light, gravity, vorticity etc. The trajectories of algae swimming in steadily rotating environments have been observed and compared with theoretical predictions for ideal gyrotactic micro-organisms, thus providing some insights into the mechanisms of gravitaxis, gyrotaxis and the behaviour of the cells.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hill, Professor Nicholas
• Authors: Kessler, J.O., Hill, N.A., Strittmatter, R., and Wiseley, D.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Mathematics and Statistics > Mathematics
• Journal Name: Advances in Space Research
• ISSN: 0273-1177
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1948