Abstract

AbstractThe thrust force on a surface that performs a fish‐like travelling wave motion downstream to an oncoming flow is discussed. Unsteady potential flow, with vortex shedding from the trailing edge, is known to explain the generation of thrust. Contrarily, fish swimming has been related to the flow over an infinitely extended surface. To interlink both problems, the potential flow over the surface of finite length is considered in the limit of high wave numbers. It turns out that the leading order, space‐periodic pressure does not contribute to thrust. Thus, the perturbation pressure is essential for propulsion. Besides, laminar flow is considered in the space‐periodic setting. The present results reveal – in contrast to literature – that the surface force is always drag. (© 2014 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.