Whale swimming mechanism will help create a new generation of underwater robots

The tail fins of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) come in a variety of shapes. Mechanism of fin movement

is also very different: for example, some cetaceans can slap them with greater amplitude or tilt them at a steeper angle.

In the new work, the researchers wanted to better understandthis relationship between two variables. To do this, they studied the mechanics of cetacean driving forces using numerical simulation of the movements of their oscillating caudal fins. In other words, the model had to qualitatively predict which fin movements should be as efficient as possible in accordance with its shape.

Using data on the form and kinematics of five speciescetaceans - bottlenose dolphins, spotted dolphins, killer whales, killer whales and beluga whales - they performed simulations for each species to determine its propulsive efficiency. Then they exchanged these places: for example, by running a simulation of the shape of an orca fin, tied to the kinematics of a dolphin.

The work showed that the shape of the false killer whale's fin was the most ideal, regardless of kinematics, and the mechanism of operation of the beluga whale's fin turned out to be ideal, regardless of the shape.

These results, according to the authors of the work, will allow in the future to create fast, efficient, maneuverable and acoustically secretive underwater robots of the new generation.

Previously, scientists from the University of Southern Californiahave createdsmart material, inspired by shark skin. He can control sound waves in various ways - dampen or improve them.