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Biomimetic undulating fin propulsion for maneuvering underwater vehicles

Abstract:

Researchers at the Whiting School of Engineering and the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences conducted experiments and obtained maneuvering and propulsion characteristics of different knifefish species. The researchers conducted these experiments to develop an analytical hydrodynamic theory. Researchers at APL designed and built a submerged mechanical underwater undulating fin testbed that was used to to conduct experiments in the APL Hydrodynamics Research Laboratory flow channel. The fin consisted of a flexible skin attached to ribs driven by an adjustable cam mechanism that was driven by a variable-speed motor.