On performance of an oscillating plate underwater propulsion system with variable chordwise flexibility at different depths of submergence

摘要: Abstract In this work, an oscillating plate propulsor undergoing a combination of heave translation and pitch rotation is investigated experimentally. The oscillation kinematics are inspired by swimming mechanisms employed fish other marine animals. primary focus was on the propulsive characteristics such plates, which were studied means direct force measurements in thrust-producing regime. Experiments performed at constant Reynolds number amplitude. By varying Strouhal number, depth submergence chordwise flexibility plate, it possible to investigate corresponding changes generated thrust hydromechanical efficiency. It establish set parameters, including driving frequency system, ratio rigid flexible segment length range numbers that led overall increase experiments, involving plates with various ratios lengths, showed greater increased efficiency compared identical motion purely plate. submerging different depths, observed proximity bottom channel coefficient across frequencies considered. flow visualization revealed formation large dynamic stall vortices influenced wake structure, suggested their constructive interaction trailing edge might lead improvement