Experimental Verification for the Application Feasibility of Buckingham Pi Theorem in Designing a Scaled Model of Flagellated Swimmer with Traditional Resistive Force Theory

The microstructure of bacterial is an important reference to design underwater swimmers. Applying Buckingham Pi Theorem is a possible method to build a scaled model based on a theoretical flagellum designed with traditional Resistive Force Theory. By making a scaled model, the forward velocity could be obtained to verify the application feasibility of Buckingham Pi Theorem in such designs. The optimal value of the model’s pitch angle can be calculated with the traditional RFT as well as the forward velocity. Comparing the experimental results with the results of theoretical calculations, it is found that the experimental and calculated results are consistent, which means Buckingham Pi Theorem works well in such design of underwater swimmer.