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Propulsion Mechanism Modeled on Bending Mechanism of Eukaryotic Flagellar Bending in Water
Shunichi Kobayashi*, Kozo Furihata**, and Hirohisa Morikawa*
*Department of Functional Machinery and Mechanics, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, 3-15-1 Tokida, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
**Shinano Kenshi Co. Ltd. 1078 Kami-maruko, Maruko, Nagano, Japan
Received:June 15, 2000Accepted:December 20, 2000Published:February 20, 2001
Keywords:flagella, flagellar motion, microtubule, propulsion, biomechanics, robotics, biomimetics
Abstract
Eukaryotic flagella possess 2 singlet microtubules and 9 outer doublet microtubules. Protuberances of protein called dyneins are placed along doublet microtubules to produce sliding of doublet microtubules. Bending of flagella is generated by the active sliding of doublet microtubules. We made an artificial propulsion mechanism in water imitating active sliding between 2 doublet microtubules in flagella. Electromagnets corresponding to the function of dyneins were placed along 2 flexible beams. Cyclic 2-dimensional bending movement and thrust force of the propulsion mechanism were generated in water. We discussed thrust forces of the propulsion mechanism.
Cite this article as:S. Kobayashi, K. Furihata, and H. Morikawa, “Propulsion Mechanism Modeled on Bending Mechanism of Eukaryotic Flagellar Bending in Water,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.13 No.1, pp. 96-100, 2001.Data files:
Copyright© 2001 by Fuji Technology Press Ltd. and Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. All right reserved.
