We analyze the flow physics inside the body cavity and downstream the deep-sea glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum. We provide evidence that the helical skeletal motifs of the sponge give rise to a rich fluid dynamic field, allowing the organism to scavenge flow from the bottom of the sea and promoting a spontaneous, organized vertical flow within its body cavity toward the osculum. Our analysis points at a functional adaptation of the organism, which can passively divert flow through the osculum in unfavorable, low ambient currents, with no need for active pumping, with potential repercussions in functional ecology, as well as the design of chemical reactors, air-treatment units, and civil and aeronaval structures.

Falcucci, G., Amati, G., Bella, G., Facci, A.l., Krastev, V.k., Polverino, G., et al. (2024). Adapting to the abyss: passive ventilation in the deep-sea glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS, 132(20) [10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.208402].

Adapting to the abyss: passive ventilation in the deep-sea glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum

Falcucci G.
;
Amati G.;Bella G.;Facci A. L.;Krastev V. K.;
2024-01-01

Abstract

We analyze the flow physics inside the body cavity and downstream the deep-sea glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum. We provide evidence that the helical skeletal motifs of the sponge give rise to a rich fluid dynamic field, allowing the organism to scavenge flow from the bottom of the sea and promoting a spontaneous, organized vertical flow within its body cavity toward the osculum. Our analysis points at a functional adaptation of the organism, which can passively divert flow through the osculum in unfavorable, low ambient currents, with no need for active pumping, with potential repercussions in functional ecology, as well as the design of chemical reactors, air-treatment units, and civil and aeronaval structures.
2024
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore IIND-06/A - Macchine a fluido
English
Falcucci, G., Amati, G., Bella, G., Facci, A.l., Krastev, V.k., Polverino, G., et al. (2024). Adapting to the abyss: passive ventilation in the deep-sea glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS, 132(20) [10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.208402].
Falcucci, G; Amati, G; Bella, G; Facci, Al; Krastev, Vk; Polverino, G; Succi, S; Porfiri, M
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/388253
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