Meeting Abstract
Trailing edge sweep angle is found to affect the stability, thrust, and efficiency of a rigid panel with a bio-inspired planform. Each panel has a square shaped peduncle, a leading edge with fixed sweep angle (45°), and a trailing edge with sweep angles that range from 60° (concave) to 120° (convex). The panels are suspended in a water tunnel and actuated with sinusoidal pitching motions that span the optimal Strouhal number range (0.2-0.4). For each motion, we measure the self-propelling speed, then explore swimming stability by freeing the panel to move in both the streamwise and lateral directions. Stability and propulsive performance are quantified via a force sensor and paired with PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) data to study the wake topology behind the panel.
