Exploring the vibration attenuation capabilities of fish surface mucus films: a novel biomimetic model for underwater vehicle drag reduction

Abstract This groundbreaking research delves into the ability of naturally occurring mucus films on fish surfaces to attenuate vibrations, utilizing nanomechanical systems for a comprehensive analysis. The mucus samples were collected from healthy Asian carp. We grouped the test subjects based on the varying durations of mucus adsorption on the fish scales: 1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes, with the bare scale serving as a benchmark. To evaluate the mucus film’s mechanical characteristics, we employed a nano-indentation tester, while a customized vibration excitation apparatus assessed its vibration attenuation capabilities. Our results indicate that the mucus film adheres to the fish scales via electrostatic forces, forming a smooth inner layer. As the adsorption time increases, the accumulation of additional proteins leads to a thicker outer layer. Remarkably, this outer layer exhibits significant vibration attenuation, assisting Asian carp in mitigating turbulence resistance and enhancing their swimming prowess.