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

In this work a bio-inspired flapping actuator based on varied magnetic fields is developed, controlled and characterized. The actuator is sought to contribute to the toolbox of options for bio-mimetics research. The design is that of a neodymium bar magnet on one end of an armature which is moved by two air core electromagnetic coils in the same manner as agonist and antagonist muscle pairs function in biological systems. The other end of the armature is fitted to a rigid fin extending beyond the streamline enclosure body to produce propulsion. A series of tests in still water were performed to measure the kinematics and propulsive force for different control schemes including the effect of adding antagonistic resistance to the control schemes. Control methods based on armature position and based on setpoint error were tested and antagonist force was found to increase consistency of control of the systems in certain cases.

Extent

152 p.

Comments

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

Identifier

FA00004699

Format

pdf

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