Research on swimming by undulatory long dorsal fin propulsion

Abstract

The kinematics of steady forward swimming of Gymnarchus niloticus is described. The geometric features of the body and locomotive characteristic and parameters of the flexible dorsal fin are discussed. On the basis of observation and experimental data, a simplified kinematic model on locomotion of the undulatory long dorsal fin propulsion is promoted. The hydromechanical performances of the undulatory long dorsal fin propeller of G. niloticus are estimated with the large-amplitude elongated-body theory. The hydromechanical efficiency of the undulatory long dorsal fin system ranged from 81.664% to 86.420% over a speed range of 0.728–0.985 length · s−1. It is suggested that the undulatory long dorsal fin propulsion is an adaptation to swimming with high hydromechanical efficiency.