On the effect of flexibility on the performance of a bio-inspired fin

ORAL

Abstract

Experiments are performed to examine the flowfield characteristics of bio-inspired fins of different flexibility. The measurements are performed in a water channel at a fixed frequency of oscillation and different flow velocities covering the free-swimming condition. Thrust and efficiency measurements are complemented by PIV and flow visualizations studies. The wake topology is analyzed at different Strouhal numbers for each flexibility, and the differences between accelerating, decelerating, and free-swimming fins are identified.

*This work was supported by the ONR through MURI Grant N00014-08-1-0642 (Program Manager: Dr. Bob Brizzolara).

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Authors

  • Stefano Chiazza

    • Princeton University

  • Florian H.J. Bremer

    • Princeton University

  • Alexander Smits

    • Princeton University, Monash University
    • Princeton University
    • Princeton University and Monash University