Effects of Flexible Propulsors on Hydrodynamic Forces. Issue 21 (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shehata, Hisham M.; Hajj, Muhammad R.; Woolsey, Craig A.; Ragab, Saad
• Is Part Of: IFAC-PapersOnLine. Volume 52:Issue 21(2019)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: Hydrodynamics -- thrust -- propulsive efficiency -- biolocomotion -- towing basin; Automatic control -- Periodicals; 629.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2019.12.276
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8963

Abstract

Abstract: We present experimental measurements of forward forces and external torques generated during forced oscillations of a tail on a fish-like body. The experiments were performed in a towing basin. Three panels having different flexural rigidity were tested over a range of oscillatory frequencies and leading edge amplitudes at 0 m/s and 0.35 m/s. The results show that tail panel flexibility enhances thrust production and thrust-to-input power ratios, with propulsive efficiencies reaching up to 45%.