Anguilliform and carangiform fish-inspired hydrodynamic study for an undulating hydrofoil: Effect of shape and adaptive kinematics

This work is motivated by the fact that the thinner-anguilliform and thicker-carangiform types of fish adapt to each other's kinematics under certain conditions. Our two-dimensional hydrofoil model-based numerical simulations demonstrate that the adaptive kinematics increases thrust force for the thinner-fish while it increases propulsive efficiency for the thicker-fish; as found in nature. Further, hydrodynamic reasons are discussed for such adaptive behavior. This bioinspired and biomimetics study may assist need-based efficient design of underwater-vehicles.