Bio-inspired propulsor using internally powered flexible fins

Using experiments and three dimensional numerical simulations, we study the underwater locomotion of internally powered flexible plates. The flexible plate is composed of Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) piezoelectric laminates. A sinusoidally varying voltage is applied to the MFCs, causing bending and generating thrust similar to a flapping fin in carangiform motion. In our fully coupled FSI simulations, we model the swimmer as a rectangular elastic plate actuated by a sinusoidal internal moment. The steady state swimming velocity and thrust are measured experimentally and compared to our numerical simulations. Our results can be used to design underwater self-propelling vehicles driven by internally powered flexible fins.