Hydrodynamic analysis of non-uniform flagellar undulations

The velocity of translation and power expenditure against viscous resistance of non-uniformly beating flagella are calculated. If the mean wave parameters of flagella bearing waves of varying amplitude and wavelength are used, reasonable approximations to the true propulsive speed can be obtained by using equations developed by earlier workers. The power expenditure against viscous resistance may, however, be significantly greater than that calculated on the basis of the mean wave parameter assumption.