Biologically derived approaches and prototypes for the control and propulsion of swimming vehicles f
Abstract
The overarching objectives of this research program are to understand the sensorimotor and mechanical processes associated with mane,uvering and active stabilization in swimming fish, and to engineer fieldable vehicle prototypes and biomimetic actuators that demons,trate swimming and maneuvering in riverine environments. The work will be conducted as a collaboration between scientists and engine,ers at Drexel University (Dr. James Tangorra), Harvard University (Dr. George Lauder), University of Chicago (Dr. Melina Hale), and,Navy Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (Mr. Tom Hansen).Our past research has solidified our understanding of the neural and,biomechanical processes used for effective swimming and has begun to identify ways in which fish coordinate the fins and body during, maneuvering. However, our knowledge of the biological mechanisms used to produce superior maneuverability and to actively stabilize, fish is significantly less than that for steady swimming. In contrast to the abundance of work that has been done to understand rec,tilinear propulsion and efficiency (Jayne and Lauder, 1995; Lauder and Tytell, 2006; Standen and Lauder, 2007), investigations into,how aquatic animals coordinate the body and fins (or flippers) to produce agile, 3d motions and to effectively handle flows are spar,se. Key scientific questions must be addressed if we are to engineer systems that exploit biological principles for swimming, maneuv,ering, and active stabilization so that full missions can be conducted in environments that are unpredictable, congested, and affect,ed by 3d flows.Therefore, the specific aims of this research proposal are: 1) to understand the neural and mechanical processes asso,ciated with the control of maneuvering and stabilization in swimming fish; 2) to develop fieldable, biorobotic prototypes that adopt, these biological principles for operating in riverine environments; and 3) to advance the engineering of biomimetic actuators for u,se in fin modules that propel and control swimming vehicles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212187
Entities
People
- James Tangorra
Organizations
- Drexel University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy