Experimental Study of Flapping Fins in the MIT Water Tunnel

摘要

We present the implementation and results from tests of a pivoted flapping foil device in the MIT Water Tunnel. The test program comprised two parts: the first is a systematic study of variations in frequency and angles of attack for the purpose of developing mean propulsive forces. The second part is a focused study to assess the effect of pitch bias in the flapping foil, as it pertains to mean lift coefficients, which can be used for maneuvering or for propulsion if mapped onto a rotating propeller.