Influence of Rigid/Deformable Foil Shape on the Hydrodynamic Loads and Performance

Many swimming fishes can be considered as underwater bio vehicles with high hydrodynamic efficiency and performance, such as low resistance, high speed, and good maneuverability. The basis source of their propulsion forces is the control of vortices produced by their oscillating bodies and fins. Inspired by fish, the thrust-producing harmonically oscillating foils have been studied extensively through both experimental and numerical techniques. In the present work, various twodimensional (2D) flapping foils are studied with focus on the influence of rigid and deformable fishlike profiles on the hydrodynamic loads and performance. Herein, a morphing strategy of the foil is pursued to combine the advantages of the rigid foils with different shapes, that is, to maximize the thrust and efficiency while minimizing the required mean input power during pitching motion.