Bio-inspired underwater propulsors

Abstract

Here we present a general overview of bio-inspired propulsion. We identify the major types of aquatic swimmers (oscillatory, undulatory, pulsatile, and drag-based) and break down their mechanisms for thrust production (drag-based, lift-based, added mass, and momentum injection). For each swimmer, we (1) discuss wake characteristics; (2) derive expressions for thrust and efficiency; and (3) design a specific bio-inspired aquatic vehicle concept. This document will be a book chapter, which at the moment is unpublished.