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

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

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