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Testing Momentum Enhancement Of Ribbon Fin Based Propulsion Using A Robotic Model With An Adjustable Body

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

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:fau.edu/oai:fau.digital.flvc.org:fau_33671
ContributorsEnglish, 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
PublisherFlorida Atlantic University
Source SetsFlorida Atlantic University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation, Text
Format89 p., application/pdf
RightsCopyright © 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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