Japanese scientists find dolphin propulsion relies on large vortex rings
Updated
Updated · Ars Technica · May 2
Japanese scientists find dolphin propulsion relies on large vortex rings
8 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · May 2
University of Osaka researchers used supercomputer simulations, reported in Physical Review Fluids, to show tail oscillations create the largest eddies that drive forward thrust.
The study found those large vortex rings then spawn many smaller vortices, but the smaller structures contribute little to propulsion and are mainly byproducts of turbulent flow.
The work addresses a long-standing question about dolphins' speed and agility in water and could help engineers design faster, more efficient underwater robots.
Could the secrets behind dolphins’ vortex-powered swimming soon revolutionize the design and agility of underwater robots and soft machines?
What untapped potential could detailed supercomputer simulations of animal movement unlock beyond underwater robotics—perhaps in aerospace or medicine?