research: Motivation
Research Motivation
Biological manta rays have been known to swim for long distances, implying that they are efficient swimmers. Also, manta rays propel themselves with a quiet, low-frequency flapping; they are very stealthy compared to a noisy jet pump or propeller. Finally, manta rays have excellent maneuverability. For all of these reasons, it has been speculated that an underwater vehicle with a manta-ray design base could be an effective swimming machine.
Before the design of any such vehicle can be evaluated, it is necessary to understand the fundamental fluid dynamics of manta rays.
What are the fundamental mechanisms of thrust production?
What non-dimensional parameters are relevant to the flow?
What is the magnitude of the thrust? How does it vary with time?
Both experimental and computational techniques are employed to evaluate the flow properties of manta-ray inspired flapping wing.
