title: Effect of caudal fin flexibility on the propulsive efficiency of a fish-like swimmer.
abstract: A computational model is used to examine the effect of caudal fin flexibility on the propulsive efficiency of a self-propelled swimmer. The computational model couples a penalization method based Navier-Stokes solver with a simple model of flow induced deformation and self-propelled motion at an intermediate Reynolds number of about 1000. The results indicate that a significant increase in efficiency is possible by careful choice of caudal fin rigidity. The flow-physics underlying this observation is explained through the use of a simple hydrodynamic force model and guidelines for bioinspired designs of flexible fin propulsors are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Inria, F-33400 Talence, France. University of Bordeaux, IMB, UMR 5251, F-33400 Talence, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bergmann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iollo
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mittal
mesh_terms: D058500:Animal Fins / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D055119:Elastic Modulus / Q000502:physiology; D004735:Energy Transfer / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D008954:Models, Biological; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012212:Rheology / Q000379:methods; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012767:Ships; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology*