Scallop Theorem and Swimming at the Mesoscale

By comparing theoretical modeling, simulations, and experiments, we show that there exists a swimming regime at low Reynolds numbers solely driven by the inertia of the swimmer itself. This is demonstrated by considering a dumbbell with an asymmetry in coasting time in its two spheres. Despite deforming in a reciprocal fashion, the dumbbell swims by generating a nonreciprocal Stokesian flow, which arises from the asymmetry in coasting times. This asymmetry acts as a second degree of freedom, which allows the scallop theorem to be fulfilled at the mesoscopic scale.

Automated summary

Through comparing theoretical modeling, simulations, and experiments, we demonstrate the existence of a swimming regime at low Reynolds numbers solely driven by the swimmer's inertia. By considering a dumbbell with asymmetry in coasting times and a nonreciprocal Stokesian flow, the scallop theorem is fulfilled at the mesoscopic scale.