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- Title
Marine Applications of the Biomimetic Humpback Whale Flipper.
- Authors
Fish, Frank E.; Weber, Paul W.; Murray, Mark M.; Howle, Laurens E.
- Abstract
The biomimetic approach seeks technological advancement through a transfer of technology from natural technologies to engineered systems. The morphology of the wing-like flipper of the humpback whale has potential for marine applications. As opposed to the straight leading edge of conventional hydrofoils, the humpback whale flipper has a number of sinusoid-like rounded bumps, called tubercles, which are arranged periodically along the leading edge. The presence of the tubercles modifies the water flow over the wing-like surface, creating regions of vortex generation between the tubercles. These vortices interact with the flow over the tubercle and accelerate that flow, helping to maintain a partially attached boundary layer. This hydrodynamic effect can delay stall to higher angles of attack, increases lift, and reduces drag compared to the post-stall condition of conventional wings. As the humpback whale functions in the marine environment in a Reynolds regime similar to some engineered marine systems, the use of tubercles has the potential to enhance the performance of wing-like structures. Specific applications of the tuberctes for marine technology include sailboat masts, fans, propellers, turbines, and control surfaces, such as rudders, dive planes, stabilizers, spoilers, and keels.
- Subjects
HUMPBACK whale; BIOMIMICRY; FLIPPERS (Anatomy); ANIMAL morphology; HYDROFOILS; SINUSOIDAL projection (Cartography); BOUNDARY layer (Aerodynamics)
- Publication
Marine Technology Society Journal, 2011, Vol 45, Issue 4, p198
- ISSN
0025-3324
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4031/MTSJ.45.4.1