Section 2, A, 1.3.2: Active and Passive Actuation of Bio-Inspired Locomotory Systems
Abstract
Major Goals: The topic of this research project is to examine bio-inspired actuation strategies for efficient and versatile locomotion in three model systems: slow viscosity-driven systems, inertial underwater systems with undulatory swimming, and airborne flying and gliding systems. The specific objectives are to (1) develop quantitative measures of maneuverability in each of these model systems, and (2) devise a novel mathematical framework that incorporates combinations of active and passive shape actuation in these models of bio-inspired locomotion. Accomplishments: In 2022, our activities focused on wrapping up major results under this grant and sending them for publication. We submitted 9 research manuscript: two are published, one is in-press, and six are under review. We also have 10 research manuscripts in preparation. See attached document for a complete list of research activities in the Kanso Bio-inspired Motion Lab over the past year. Over the course of this grant, we developed key understanding of the roles of (i) mechanosensing, (ii) mechanical coupling, and (iii) active and passive actuation in the control of locomotion and behavior. In the last year of this grant, we focused on applying these key insights to cooperative transport and collective behavior both at the microscopic and collective levels. At the microscopic scale, we studied the role of the fluid medium in the emergent coordination, wave propagation, and wave stability in ciliary carpets. We identified minimal requirements for the emergence of stable collective coordination and fluid pumping by (infinitely) many individually-beating cilia. Our framework opens up the prospect to evaluate and design ciliated tissues that break symmetry and pump fluids in biological and engineered systems. This work was published in PNAS in November 2022, and picked up by half-a-dozen news outlets so far.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1222021
Entities
People
- Eva A. Kanso
Organizations
- University of Southern California