Effects of maximum thickness position on hydrodynamic performance for fish-like swimmers

When designing the internals of robotic fish, variations in the internal arrangements of power and control systems cause differences in external morphological structures, particularly the positions of maximum thickness. These differences considerably affect swimming performance. This study examines the impact of the topological structure of self-propelled fish-like swimmers on hydrodynamic performance using fluid-structure interaction techniques. Fish-like swimmers with maximum thickness closest to the head exhibit optimal swimming performance, characterized by modest energy consumption for fast-response acceleration during the starting phase and higher swimming velocity for high-speed travel during steady swimming. As the maximum thickness moves toward the middle, acceleration performance significantly weakens and swimming speed decreases, although maximum energy consumption is relatively reduced. This study will provide a notable reference for the morphological design of underwater robotic fish.