This work is part of a research program designed to develop a maneuvering propulsor for an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV's) based on the mechanical design and performance of fish fin. Fish are notable for their ability to maneuver and to accurately position themselves even in highly unsteady flows. Fish can maneuver in tight spaces and accelerate and decelerate quickly from rest or low speed with the same propulsion system. Also, fish fins are remarkable fluid control devices with supporting bony elements that are under active muscular control. In addition to muscular actuation at the base of the fin which governs overall fin position, fish fins possess a bilaminar design that allows active control of propulsor surface curvature (Lauder et al., 2005). This paper will focus on hydrodynamic analyses of bluegill sunfish's pectoral fin which were carried out to guide the design of a flexible propulsor for AUV's.
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