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Flapping Soft Fin Deformation Modeling using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging
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Tuna locomotion: a computational hydrodynamic analysis of finlet function.

Junshi Wang1, Dylan K Wainwright2, Royce E Lindengren1

  • 1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA.

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Finlets in yellowfin tuna produce drag but reduce overall swimming power. Their pitching motion and interactions minimize drag and aid body propulsion, revealing their hydrodynamic function.

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Area of Science:

  • * Biomechanical Engineering
  • * Ichthyology
  • * Fluid Dynamics

Background:

  • * Scombrid fishes, including mackerels, bonitos, and tunas, exhibit high swimming speeds.
  • * Finlets, small non-retractable fins, are hypothesized to influence propulsive performance.
  • * The specific hydrodynamic role of finlets in locomotion remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To investigate the hydrodynamics of finlets in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) during steady swimming.
  • * To analyze the impact of finlet kinematics on propulsive performance and vortex dynamics.
  • * To elucidate the functional significance of finlets in scombrid fish locomotion.

Main Methods:

  • * Combined experimental (high-speed videography for finlet kinematics) and computational (high-fidelity simulations) approaches.
  • * Developed a biologically realistic multiple-finlet model with reconstructed in vivo motion.
  • * Analyzed hydrodynamic performance, vortex dynamics, and wake structures.

Main Results:

  • * Finlets exhibit heaving and pitching motions, phased sequentially along the body.
  • * Finlets generate drag but their interactions reduce total drag by 21.5%.
  • * Pitching motion reduces finlet power consumption by 20.8% and facilitates posterior body flapping, creating a unique vortex structure.

Conclusions:

  • * Finlets play a crucial hydrodynamic role in scombrid fish swimming, primarily by reducing drag and aiding propulsion.
  • * The coordinated pitching and interaction of finlets optimize swimming efficiency.
  • * The study provides insights into the functional morphology and biomechanics of high-speed aquatic locomotion.