We study a simple two-dimensional model for motion of an elastic filament subject to internally generated stresses and show that wavelike propagating shapes which can propel the filament can be induced by a self-organized mechanism via a dynamic instability. The resulting patterns of motion do not depend on the microscopic mechanism of the instability but only of the filament rigidity and hydrodynamic friction. Our results suggest that simplified systems, consisting only of molecular motors and filaments, could be able to show beating motion and self-propulsion.

• Received 19 October 1998

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.82.1590