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Hydrodynamic Study of Manta Rays Using Curved Pectoral Fins for Efficient and Highly Maneuverable Gliding

  • Northwestern Polytechnical University Xian

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Manta rays, as an ideal bio-inspired prototype, achieve efficient and highly maneuverable gliding by actively bending their large pectoral fins. This study investigates the hydrodynamic characteristics of symmetric and asymmetric curved pectoral fins during gliding through numerical simulations and hydrodynamic experiments. The results indicate that at high angles of attack, symmetric bending reduces gliding drag and enhances lift, thereby improving the lift-to-drag ratio. Asymmetric bending generates the lateral force and moment required for turning. Additionally, fin bending mitigates spanwise flow instabilities at high angles of attack. These findings provide theoretical guidance for designing efficient and maneuverable underwater gliders.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 35th International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference, 2025
EditorsJin S. Chung, Shiqiang Yan, Igor Buzin, Ivana Kubat, Frank K Lim, Bor-Feng Peng, Ali Reza, Suak Ho Van, Decheng Wan, Satoru Yamaguchi
PublisherInternational Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers
Pages4152-4158
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9781880653746
StatePublished - 2025
Event35th Annual International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference, ISOPE 2025 - Seoul/Goyang, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 1 Jun 20256 Jun 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference
ISSN (Print)1098-6189
ISSN (Electronic)1555-1792

Conference

Conference35th Annual International Ocean and Polar Engineering Conference, ISOPE 2025
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul/Goyang
Period1/06/256/06/25

Keywords

  • Computational fluid dynamics
  • Lift-to-drag ratio
  • Maneuverability
  • Manta rays gliding

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