High School Swimming at the Same Reynolds Number as Sperm: A Reflection on Purcell's Talk

Click For Summary
The discussion reflects on a talk by Purcell regarding swimming at low Reynolds numbers, specifically comparing it to the conditions experienced by sperm. Participants express admiration for the clarity of Purcell's presentation, despite its complexity, noting the challenge of recalling the detailed arguments afterward. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding fluid dynamics in biological contexts, particularly in how small organisms navigate their environments. The impact of Purcell's insights on the field of biophysics is acknowledged, emphasizing their lasting relevance. Overall, the discussion serves as a nostalgic reminder of the intellectual engagement sparked by Purcell's work.
Physics news on Phys.org
I remember hearing a great talk by Purcell with the same title about 40 years ago. It was of the kind that you understand everything perfectly as it was being said, yet one hour later you would be hard pressed to reconstruct the logical sequence of the arguments. Thanks for the memories.
 

Thread 'Reference frames, center of rotation, etc'

Topic about reference frames, center of rotation, postion of origin etc Comoving ref. frame is frame that is attached to moving object, does that mean, in that frame translation and rotation of object is zero, because origin and axes(x,y,z) are fixed to object? Is it same if you place origin of frame at object center of mass or at object tail? What type of comoving frame exist? What is lab frame? If we talk about center of rotation do we always need to specified from what frame we observe?
View full post »

Similar threads

Other Is There Life after Flunking out of College?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
7K
The Scientist as Hero - or not
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Other Leaving Italy? Is It the Right Choice? Expert Advice & Tips
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Modern Digital Audio: Understanding Dither and Oversampling in Hi-Res Age
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
Is Alan Turing given too much credit when it comes to computers?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
5K
PF Needs A Personal Theory Forum Like We Need A Computer Virus
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Redesigning Mathematics Curriculum, thoughts?
  • · Replies 65 ·
3
Replies
65
Views
11K
Undergrad Problems with Einstein's 1920 "Relativity"
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
6K
Mechanical Engineering (BS) Vs. Pursuing Physics PhD
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Learning new things is fun, yet I hate school with a burning passion.
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K