Non-reciprocal motion in superparamagnetic magnetoelastic membrane patches*

Magnetic fields allow for the remote manipulation of bio-orthogonal microscale robots that have applications in drug delivery or microsurgery. We develop a theoretical approach for autonomous locomotion of superparamagnetic membranes through viscous media. Oscillations in triaxial magnetic fields induce non-reciprocal, wave-like motions on circular membrane patches. We show how the strength, angle and frequency of rotating magnetic fields affects circumferential and radial membrane wave propagation. Using the lattice Boltzmann method, we implement hydrodynamic interactions that reveal the flow field of the surrounding fluid and show how truncated circular patches swim at low Reynolds numbers.