Computational Study on Posture Control of Shape Memory Alloy Biomimetic Pectoral Fin

Fishes that generate thrust mainly based on fins have a surprising maneuverability. Researchers in and abroad pay more and more attention to it. Using smart material to develop biomimetic fish fin that mimic vivid fish fin motion has gradually become to one of the research hotspot. This paper first introduces a formerly developed undulatory biomimetic fin driven by shape memory alloy. And analyzes four basic posture (flat, upward, downward, sine form undulatory motion) that can be achieved by this biomimetic fin. Meanwhile, present a detailed comparison and discussion on the force generation (drag and lift force) of each fin posture. Finally, a comparison is carried out between static sine form fin posture and dynamic sine form undulatory motion posture of the biomimetic fin to check the influence of undulatory fin motion on drag reduction. This paper provides meaningful conclusions for the potential application of the robotic fish fin.