1138 Characteristics of Hydrodynamic Force Generated by Mechanical Pectoral Fin Device

Abstract

This paper describes the use of a three-motor driven mechanical pectoral fm as a device for maneuvering and stabilizing an underwater vehicle. The mechanical pectoral fm consists of three servomotors generating feathering, rowing, and flapping motions. The time varied hydrodynamic force properties of three types of fin motion and two kinds of fluid circumstances were measured. Measured data is useful for validation or verification of CFD or some numerical methods in case of estimating hydrodynamic force generated by a pectoral fin.