Numerical simulation of a one-dimensional flexible filament mimicking anguilliform mode of swimming using discrete vortex method

Abstract

Using the discrete vortex method we perform numerical simulations of the Anguilliform mode of swimming dynamics of a one-dimensional flexible filament. Various parameters are varied to quantify the coefficient of thrust and swimming efficiency. We show that wake vortices are in a Benard--von Karman (BvK) configuration in the drag producing regime and rearrange to reverse-BVK (rBvK) when thrust producing. The resultant wake vortex distribution contour map and associated velocity field clarify differences between BvK in drag regime, the transition region, and rBvK in thrust regime. Optimal parameters for high thrust and swimming efficiency of two-dimensional flexible filaments are identified.