Evaluation of Dolphin Swimming Speed and Thrust Based on CFD

摘要

For many years, the maximum swimming speeds of dolphins have been reported almost entirely through observations. The objective of this paper is to estimate the swimming speed of dolphins using a theoretical analysis and numerical method. The FLUENT software solver and User Defined Function (UDF) dynamic mesh method were used to simulate the dolphin kicking during its swimming. Three peak-to-peak tail motion amplitudes and frequencies were chosen to study. The simulation results of the resistance of dolphin were compared with experimental results. The thrusts generated by dolphin fluke motion were compared with available data from the references. In conclusion, the dolphin can reach a very high speed because of its large thrust generated by its fluke motion and high propulsive efficiency.