Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of a Bionic Robotic Fish Based on a Macrofiber Composite Material.

Abstract

In this study, the power system of a bionic robotic fish has been significantly simplified, resulting in a reduced volume and enhanced flexibility of both the structure and movement. To comprehensively understand the dynamics, a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis was conducted, considering the intricate interplay between the mollusk's structure and the surrounding fluid. This analysis took into account the dissipation due to fluid viscosity and the influence of the wake performance around the mollusk. The study examined the relationships between the driving frequency of the input signal and various parameters such as fluid pressure, propulsion force, and propulsion displacement of the soft robot fish head. With the robot fish's head fixed, the amplitude of propulsion motion and propulsion force were measured. The simulation results closely matched the experimental findings, indicating their potential to predict the propulsion characteristics of the soft robot fish in fluid environments and further improve its performance.