Technical ReportAbstract: Paddlefish can be distinguished from other freshwater fish by the presence of a long paddle shaped snout (Rostrum). The Rostrum has desirable mechanical characteristics that could be explored to design bio-inspired materials that have better strength to weight ratio. The Rostrum is large and generates lift like an aircraft wing. It acts as a stabilizer preventing drag during filter feeding when the mouth is wide open. This report will discuss the Fluid Structure Interaction simulations conducted to analyze the lift generated by the Rostrum, fluid flow around the fish, pressures on the Rostrum, fluid induced swimming enhancements, and stabilizing properties of the Rostrum. The report analyses and discusses the experimentally measured forward body velocity of Paddlefish during filter feeding. Laminar flow with different angles of attack (0, 5, and 10) along and against the direction of the longitudinal axis of the swimming fish are also studied and discussed.

Information Technology Laboratory (U.S.)Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)

Paddlefish Rostrum Bio-inspiration Bio-inspired materials Filter feeders Multiphysics techniques Fluid flow Body velocity Lift Polyondon Spathula; Bio-inspired Research Program

ERDC/ITL TR ; 13-4.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

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