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Optimal shapes for anguilliform swimmers at intermediate Reynolds numbers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2013

Wim M. van Rees ,
Mattia Gazzola  and
Petros Koumoutsakos
Wim M. van Rees
Affiliation:
Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, Clausiusstrasse 33, ETH Zürich, CH-8092, Switzerland
Mattia Gazzola
Affiliation:
Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, Clausiusstrasse 33, ETH Zürich, CH-8092, Switzerland
Petros Koumoutsakos*
Affiliation:
Computational Science and Engineering Laboratory, Clausiusstrasse 33, ETH Zürich, CH-8092, Switzerland
*
†Email address for correspondence: [email protected]
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Abstract

We investigate the optimal morphologies for fast and efficient anguilliform swimmers at intermediate Reynolds numbers, by combining an evolution strategy with three-dimensional viscous vortex methods. We show that anguilliform swimmer shapes enable the trapping and subsequent acceleration of regions of fluid transported along the entire body by the midline travelling wave. A sensitivity analysis of the optimal morphological traits identifies that the width thickness in the anterior of the body and the height of the caudal fin are critical factors for both speed and efficiency. The fastest swimmer without a caudal fin, however, still retains 80 % of its speed, showing that the entire body is used to generate thrust. The optimal shapes share several features with naturally occurring morphologies, but their overall appearances differ. This demonstrates that engineered swimmers can outperform biomimetic swimmers for the criteria considered here.

JFM classification

Biological Fluid Dynamics: Biological Fluid Dynamics Biological Fluid Dynamics: Propulsion Biological Fluid Dynamics: Swimming/flying
Type
Rapids
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 722 , 10 May 2013 , R3
Copyright
©2013 Cambridge University Press

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van Rees et al. supplementary movie

The wake behind the most efficient swimmer (colored in gray) is visualized using isosurfaces of the Q-criterion, colored by the vertical component of vorticity. Shown is a 3D perspective view.

Download van Rees et al. supplementary movie(Video)
Video 4.5 MB

van Rees et al. supplementary movie

The wake behind the most efficient swimmer (colored in gray) is visualized using isosurfaces of the Q-criterion, colored by the vertical component of vorticity. Shown are a top view (top) and a side view (bottom).

Download van Rees et al. supplementary movie(Video)
Video 8.1 MB

van Rees et al. supplementary movie

The wake behind the optimally fastest swimmer (colored in gray) is visualized using isosurfaces of the Q-criterion, colored by the vertical component of vorticity. Shown is a 3D perspective view

Download van Rees et al. supplementary movie(Video)
Video 3.4 MB

van Rees et al. supplementary movie

The wake behind the optimally fastest swimmer (colored in gray) is visualized using isosurfaces of the Q-criterion, colored by the vertical component of vorticity. Shown are a top view (top) and a side view (bottom).

Download van Rees et al. supplementary movie(Video)
Video 6.2 MB