Impact of viscoelastic ooze slime on complex wavy gliders near a solid boundary

Prokaryote propulsion is bewilderingly diverse. Many bacteria swim through the fluid medium by rotating a long helical flagellum driven by a rotary motor, some have helical-shaped bodies and use mechanochemical filaments. Rod-shaped Bacteria (present near the solid wall) practice another mechanism of locomotion, generally called gliding motility. It is hypothesized that rodshaped bacteria propel it selves by producing waves in their body and leaving an adhesive slime trail. Based on these observations, we use a mathematical model to examine the gliding motility of bacteria on a layer of non-Newtonian slime. FENE-P fluid model is approximated as a layer of non-Newtonian slime. Navier-Stokes equation is simplified using the lubrication assumption which results in a second-order differential equation. The bacterial speed, flow rate, and energy loss at larger values of the involved parameters are simulated using a blended numerical technique. Level curves and velocity of the slime are also drawn for the realistic pairs of speed and flow rate and are thoroughly explained.

Automated summary

Prokaryote propulsion is diverse, with bacteria using various mechanisms such as rotating flagella and gliding motility. A mathematical model is used to study the gliding motility of rod-shaped bacteria on a layer of non-Newtonian slime. The model simulates the bacterial speed, flow rate, and energy loss, and provides a comprehensive explanation of the level curves and velocity of the slime.