Hydrodynamics of multiple fish in staggered arrangement

Abstract

Research has been conducted to study the impact of wake vortices, which are the flow pattern effects caused by the movement of one flapping fish, on the thrust of another flapping fish located behind it in a staggered or tandem configuration. The objective of the experimental analysis is to gain insights into the hydrodynamic performance of fish, including the structures of their wakes and shedding vortices. Specifically, this study focuses on staggered and tandem fish configurations. The team has developed 3D printed fish, such as Tuna and Goldfish, which can flap their tails with variable frequencies controlled by a mechanism. The researchers will observe the hydrodynamic effects of two fish swimming in various real-life configurations and analyze the fluid dynamics associated with multiple fish movements. The study will also investigate wake and disturbance analysis in relation to other fish and the environment. Through hydrodynamic analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the tandem and staggered behaviors of fish in relation to different frequencies of tail movement and water tunnel velocity.