Can added-mass variation act as a thrust force?

Previous studies have demonstrated that added-mass variation can play a significant role on thrust generation. In this respect, a simplified mechanical system such as an aquatic shape-changing linear oscillator lends itself to this study because it allows to segregate the contribution of added-mass variation from other terms. We present the design of an experimental apparatus which highlights the capability of a deformable oscillator to drive sustained resonance by exploiting the thrust produced by shape-change alone. These results will have significant implications in aquatic propulsion and in the design of deformable, self-propelled underwater vehicles.