Meeting Abstract
Thunniform swimming is widely recognized as an efficient method for high-speed long-distance swimmers such as tuna. Previous research has shown that tuna relies on contraction and relaxation of its red muscle to generate angular motion of its large, crescent-shaped caudal fin through its peduncle. However, little research was conducted to investigate the material properties of related tissues and resulting biomechanics. This research project is composed of two parts, first of which is determining mechanical properties of components such as spine joints, tendons, fin rays and cartilage, from which the biomechanics of tuna tail can be better understood. The second part is building a robotic system mimicking a real tuna tail based on previously retrieved information, and testing the system inside a flow tank. With help of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), fluid-structure interaction of the biomimetic fin is visualized and data such as swimming speed and power consumption are collected by researchers automatically through the robotic system. The outcome should better explain how the material properties of tuna tail affect performance and efficiency of thunniform swimming.
