Self-propelled swimming of a flexible filament driven by coupled plunging and pitching motions

This paper numerically investigates the self-propelled swimming of a flexible filament driven by coupled pitching and plunging motions at leading edge. The influences bending rigidity some actuation parameters (including phase offset between plunging, amplitudes motions) on performance are explored. It is found that with increasing rigidity, style gradually transits from undulatory mode to oscillatory mode. plunging-pitching be superior plunging-only actuation, in sense it prevents decrease speed high achieves higher efficiency across wide range rigidity. comparison body kinematics those animal swimmers, classification wake structures discussed. results this study provide novel insights for bio-inspired design autonomous underwater vehicles.