Gyrnnarchus niloticus swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin, while its body axis is in many cases held straight during swimming. This paper provides a brief relevant introduction to Gyrnnarchus niloticus, wh...Gyrnnarchus niloticus swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin, while its body axis is in many cases held straight during swimming. This paper provides a brief relevant introduction to Gyrnnarchus niloticus, which belongs to the African freshwater electric eels but can inspire our bionic interests in propulsion besides its abilities in electric sensing. A special larva of Gyrnnarchus niloticus was morphologically measured by photographing it with a piece of scale-calibrated paper as the background. Then we analyzed the data by a CFD-aided approach. Detailed flow patterns around the larva and a NACA0012 hydrofoil were respectively calculated and visualized at the Reynolds number of 7350 or so. The results show that the profile of Gyrnnarchus niloticus is well streamlined.展开更多
Gymnarchus niloticus, a typical freshwater fish, swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin aided by the two pectoral fins, while commonly it holds its body rigid and straight. The long flexible dorsal fin is the...Gymnarchus niloticus, a typical freshwater fish, swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin aided by the two pectoral fins, while commonly it holds its body rigid and straight. The long flexible dorsal fin is the main propulsor of G niloticus; it has also considerable influence on the streamline profile. This paper proposes a CFD approach to validate that the natural arrangement of the propulsive dorsal fin is optimal. Using morphological data and a smoothness-keeping algorithm, the dorsal fin is ‘virtually＇ moved forward and backward with several displacements from the natural location. For each case, we reconstruct geometry, generate CFD grids, and calculate the pressure, viscous and total drag coefficients respectively. The results show that the pressure and total drag coefficients increase whether the dorsal fin is displaced forward or backward, and that greater displacement from its original position leads to greater pressure and total drag coefficients. This suggests that the natural position of the dorsal fin is significant for maintaining the fish＇s streamline profile and reducing drag.展开更多
文摘Gyrnnarchus niloticus swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin, while its body axis is in many cases held straight during swimming. This paper provides a brief relevant introduction to Gyrnnarchus niloticus, which belongs to the African freshwater electric eels but can inspire our bionic interests in propulsion besides its abilities in electric sensing. A special larva of Gyrnnarchus niloticus was morphologically measured by photographing it with a piece of scale-calibrated paper as the background. Then we analyzed the data by a CFD-aided approach. Detailed flow patterns around the larva and a NACA0012 hydrofoil were respectively calculated and visualized at the Reynolds number of 7350 or so. The results show that the profile of Gyrnnarchus niloticus is well streamlined.
文摘Gymnarchus niloticus, a typical freshwater fish, swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin aided by the two pectoral fins, while commonly it holds its body rigid and straight. The long flexible dorsal fin is the main propulsor of G niloticus; it has also considerable influence on the streamline profile. This paper proposes a CFD approach to validate that the natural arrangement of the propulsive dorsal fin is optimal. Using morphological data and a smoothness-keeping algorithm, the dorsal fin is ‘virtually＇ moved forward and backward with several displacements from the natural location. For each case, we reconstruct geometry, generate CFD grids, and calculate the pressure, viscous and total drag coefficients respectively. The results show that the pressure and total drag coefficients increase whether the dorsal fin is displaced forward or backward, and that greater displacement from its original position leads to greater pressure and total drag coefficients. This suggests that the natural position of the dorsal fin is significant for maintaining the fish＇s streamline profile and reducing drag.
