Optimal Snake Locomotion on Flat Surfaces: An Analytical Framework

Fuente: arXiv
Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Phalak, Yogesh, Pendar, Hodjat
Format: Preprint
Published: 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
_version_ 1866917857976123392
author Phalak, Yogesh
Pendar, Hodjat
author_facet Phalak, Yogesh
Pendar, Hodjat
contents In this theoretical study, we present an analytical framework to investigate the slithering motion of snakes on flat surfaces. While previous studies have predominantly relied on numerical methods to identify optimal locomotion kinematics, such approaches are often sensitive to initial guesses and the number of kinematic parameters in the model. Here, we derive analytical solutions for optimal kinematics that minimize the cost of transport or maximize the velocity under varying friction anisotropy conditions. Our analysis assumes a uniform weight distribution and negligible body rigidity, though the framework can be extended to more complex scenarios. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of this approach to the undulatory motion of other elongated bodies in various media, where interactive forces can be described using resistive force theory, such as swimming through sand or viscous fluids.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2412_03725
institution arXiv
publishDate 2024
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Optimal Snake Locomotion on Flat Surfaces: An Analytical Framework
Phalak, Yogesh
Pendar, Hodjat
Biological Physics
In this theoretical study, we present an analytical framework to investigate the slithering motion of snakes on flat surfaces. While previous studies have predominantly relied on numerical methods to identify optimal locomotion kinematics, such approaches are often sensitive to initial guesses and the number of kinematic parameters in the model. Here, we derive analytical solutions for optimal kinematics that minimize the cost of transport or maximize the velocity under varying friction anisotropy conditions. Our analysis assumes a uniform weight distribution and negligible body rigidity, though the framework can be extended to more complex scenarios. Furthermore, we demonstrate the applicability of this approach to the undulatory motion of other elongated bodies in various media, where interactive forces can be described using resistive force theory, such as swimming through sand or viscous fluids.
title Optimal Snake Locomotion on Flat Surfaces: An Analytical Framework
topic Biological Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.03725