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An Adaptable Flying Fish Robotic Model for Aero- and Hydrodynamic Experimentation
Valeria Saro-Cortes1, Yuhe Cui2, Tierney Dufficy2
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, 26 Olden Street, 08544, New Jersey, USA.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
|June 30, 2022
Summary
Flying fish pelvic fins significantly impact flight efficiency and stability. Optimal configurations balance lift and stability, crucial for aerial locomotion.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Robotics
Background:
- Flying fish (Exocoetidae) exhibit unique aerial-aquatic locomotion.
- Previous studies primarily focused on pectoral fins, neglecting pelvic fin roles.
- Robotic model organisms (RMOs) offer new avenues for studying fish biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a modular flying fish RMO.
- To conduct a parametric aerodynamic study on flying fish pelvic fins.
- To investigate the influence of pelvic fin geometry on flight dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Development and validation of a modular flying fish robotic model organism (RMO).
- Wind tunnel experiments at a Reynolds number of 30,000.
- Systematic variation of pelvic fin pitch angle and body location.
Main Results:
- Aerodynamic efficiency is maximized with pelvic fins positioned behind pectoral fins and at positive pitch angles.
- Pitching stability is compromised at positive pitch angles and when pelvic fins are directly below pectoral fins.
- A trade-off exists between lift generation and stability, influenced by pelvic fin configuration.
Conclusions:
- Pelvic fin geometry is critical for optimizing flying fish locomotion (gliding, taxiing, takeoff).
- Findings provide insights into the physics of flying fish flight.
- Results can inform the design of bio-inspired aerial-aquatic vehicles.
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