Date of Award
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Abstract
The hydrodynamics of three different shark heads: Eusphyra blochii (Winghead shark), Carcharhinus acronotus (Blacknose shark) and Sphyrna tiburo (Bonnethead shark) were investigated. Force transducer measurement was used to explore how the cephalofoil (wing-shaped head) affects maneuverability and efficiency. As the dynamic behavior of maneuvering wings differs from that of the steady state motion, experiments have been conducted to simulate: 1) steady-state (no yaw motion) constant velocity swimming, 2) constant forward velocity with yawing motion of the head and 3) turning maneuvers. Different range of velocities, angle of attack, yaw frequency and yaw amplitude were tested. Drag and lift coefficients were calculated and compared. The lift coefficient of Winghead shark is much higher compared to the other sharks. The lift-to-drag ratio showed that the Winghead shark has a hydrodynamic advantage compared to Blacknose shark and Bonnethead shark.
Extent
xii, 97 p. : ill. (some col.)
Recommended Citation
Barousse, Julien., "Hydrodynamic functions of the wing-shaped heads of hammerhead sharks" (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2000 - 2009. 1693.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_5/1693
Identifier
FADT2795459
Comments
by Julien Barousse.|Thesis (M.S.C.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009.|Includes bibliography.|Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.|by Julien Barousse.