Force and Power Estimation in Fish-Like Locomotion Using a Vortex-Lattice Method

Abstract

The forces and power needed for propelling at constant speed an actively swimming flexible fish-like body are calculated. A vortex-lattice method based on a linearized theory is employed and the results are compared against slender body theory predictions, as well as experimental data from an eight-link robotic instrument, the RoboTuna. Qualitative agreement is found between our method and slender body theory; with quantitative agreement over certain parametric ranges and disagreement for other ranges of practical interest. The present linearized vortex lattice calculations predict the power needed for propelling the RoboTuna with less than 20 percent error in most experiments conducted. [S0098-2202(00)01202-5]