Hydrodynamics Experimental Setup for Flapping-Foil Propulsion

This paper is concerned with a set of flapping-foil hydrodynamics experimental setup, with the aim of investigating the propulsion mechanism of the flapping hydrofoils and analysis the hydrodynamic forces generated on the hydrofoils. Firstly, the complex 3 degree-of-freedom (DOF) movement of sea turtle's forelimb was studied and then simplified with a 2 DOF expression. Secondly, performance requirements of the flapping-foil hydrodynamics experiment setup were given based on the 2-DOF expression, and a 2-DOF flapping foil mechanism, which is driven by two rotors, was designed. Finally, a new horizontal circulating water tunnel was designed, offering good fluid conditions for the test. The relevant equipment designed in this paper shows high feasibility, and is suit for experiment under different work conditions, providing a fine experiment platform for the hydrodynamic force of flapping foil measuring.