Performance Analysis on Biomimetic Fin with Cupping Base and Cupping Ratio Variation

Abstract

Research on fish locomotion has been widely conducted since the last two decades, but the effect of fish tail cupping shape when swimming is rarely discussed in detail [2][3][4]. In this paper, a model is proposed for a rounded shape caudal fin with a rear profile made to simulate a cupping phenomenon shape. The models are made to simulate cupping phenomenon in various cupping parameter setting. The model is then used to run a CFD simulation to find their respective cruising speed, where drag equals thrust produced. Performance parameter that will be observed in this paper is thrust generated, based on the cruising speed and efficiency. From the data obtained we can figure out the relation between performance and cupping parameters. The result is expected to help future research or optimization of existing fin designs. Other performance category such as efficiency and noise generation is not included in this paper.