Mobility correction from a fixed distant sphere ($\mathsf{M}={\zeta }^{-1}(I-{\mathsf{A}}^2)+\cdots$)

For equal spheres of radius $a$ separated by $R\gg a$, one held fixed and the other forced with $\mathbf{F}=6\pi \mu a\mathbf{V}$, put $\zeta =6\pi \mu a$, $\mathbf{n}=\mathbf{X}/R$ and $\mathsf{A}=3a(I+\mathbf{nn})/(4R)$. The method of reflections for Stokes flow gives $\mathbf{U}=\mathbf{V}-{\mathsf{A}}^2\mathbf{V}+O(V{a}^4/R^4)$, since the fixed sphere creates the reflected Stokeslet with force $-6\pi \mu a\mathsf{A}\mathbf{V}$. The leading hydrodynamic mobility matrix correction therefore reduces longitudinal motion more strongly than transverse motion.

In a planar force-driven encounter with a fixed equal sphere and positive impact parameter $b\gg a$, the mobility correction from a fixed distant sphere gives $Y-b=27a^{2}b/[32(X^2+b^2)]+O(a^4/b^3)$. The moving sphere reaches maximum deflection $27a^2/(32b)$ and rotates clockwise through $9\pi a^2/(32b^2)$ to leading order. The spin is obtained by integrating half the reflected Stokeslet vorticity, as prescribed by Faxén rotation law. These numerical formulas require a distant encounter.