Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Curet, Oscar M.

Abstract

A robotic ribbon fin with twelve independent fin rays, elastic fin membrane, and a body of adjustable height was developed for this thesis specifically to test the 1990 theory put forth by Lighthill and Blake that a multiplicative propulsive enhancement exists for Gymnotiform and Balisiform swimmers based on the ratio of body and fin heights. Until now, the theory has not been experimentally tested. Proof of such a momentum enhancement could have a profound effect on unmanned underwater vehicle design and shed light on the evolutionary advantage to body-fin ratios found in nature, shown as optimal for momentum enhancement in Lighthill and Blake’s theory. Thrust tests for various body heights were conducted in a recirculating flow tank at different flow speeds and fin flapping frequencies. When comparing different body heights at different frequencies to a ’no-body’ thrust test case at each frequency no momentum enhancement factor was found. Data in this thesis indicate there is no momentum enhancement factor due to the presence of a body on top of an undulating fin.

Extent

89 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004682

Format

pdf

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