Lubrication model of a crawling snail (source code)

= Lubrication model of a crawling snail
{title2=$U/V=6(1-\alpha)/(4-3\alpha),\quad\alpha=I_2^2/(I_1I_3)$}

= Snail locomotion by lubrication flow
{synonym}

For a periodic thin mucus gap $h(x)$ translating as a backward wave relative to a force-free foot, put $I_j=\int_0^Lh^{-j}dx$. In the wave frame, the plane and foot have horizontal <velocities> $V-U$ and $V$. A <Couette-Poiseuille flow> with periodic <pressure> has flux $q=(V-U/2)I_2/I_3$. Zero net plane <force> gives the displayed crawling speed. The leading <viscous dissipation> per wavelength is $\Phi=2\mu UVI_1$.