A robotic ribbon fin with twelve independent fin rays, elastic fin membrane, and a body
of adjustable height was developed for this thesis specifically to test the 1990 theory put forth
by Lighthill and Blake that a multiplicative propulsive enhancement exists for Gymnotiform and
Balisiform swimmers based on the ratio of body and fin heights. Until now, the theory has not
been experimentally tested. Proof of such a momentum enhancement could have a profound effect
on unmanned underwater vehicle design and shed light on the evolutionary advantage to body-fin
ratios found in nature, shown as optimal for momentum enhancement in Lighthill and Blake’s theory.
Thrust tests for various body heights were conducted in a recirculating flow tank at different flow
speeds and fin flapping frequencies. When comparing different body heights at different frequencies
to a ’no-body’ thrust test case at each frequency no momentum enhancement factor was found. Data
in this thesis indicate there is no momentum enhancement factor due to the presence of a body on
top of an undulating fin. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_33671 |
| Contributors | English, Ian L. (author), Curet, Oscar M. (Thesis advisor), Florida Atlantic University (Degree grantor), College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering |
| Publisher | Florida Atlantic University |
| Source Sets | Florida Atlantic University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation, Text |
| Format | 89 p., application/pdf |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder., http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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