Abstract
Simulation of multi-link propulsion mechanism in fluid modeled on the bending motion of an eel and a water snake had been conducted. The multi-link propulsion mechanism consists of 16 flat plates and 15 stepping motors, as links and joints, respectively. The thrust was simulated by resistive and reactive force theories. The thrust in the simulation was greater than that in the experiment. Variation of thrust in one bending cycle and relationship between coefficient of increase in amplitude and thrust in the simulation were in qualitatively agreement with those in the experiment.
