Numerical Research on Amplitude of Batoid

Abstract

This paper developed a biomimetic batoid model to investigate the effect of amplitude on propulsion performance. The contour of model's pectoral fins was derived from natural batoid fish, and the model was made to simulate the locomotion of biological fish through user defined functions linked to Fluent. Numerical simulations of model were conducted at five different amplitude indices from 0.08 to 0.32 with increments of 0.06. The simulation results show that the forward swimming velocity of model increases as amplitude increases. At same time, the excellent propulsion performance emerges at the amplitude index of 0.14, which is consistent with conventional amplitude of living batoid fish.