Marine Applications of the Biomimetic Humpback Whale Flipper

作者：Fish Frank E^*; Weber Paul W; Murray Mark M; Howle Laurens E

来源：Marine Technology Society Journal, 2011, 45(4): 198-207.

DOI：10.4031/MTSJ.45.4.1

• tubercles
• delayed stall
• Megaptera novaeangliae
• leading edge
• bio-inspired design

The biomimetic approach seeks technological advancement through a transfer of technology from natural technologies to engineered systems. The morphology of the wing-like flipper of the humpback whale has potential for marine applications. As opposed to the straight leading edge of conventional hydrofoils, the humpback whale flipper has a number of sinusoid-like rounded bumps, called tubercles, which are arranged periodically along the leading edge. The presence of the tubercles modifies the water flow over the wing-like surface, creating regions of vortex generation between the tubercles. These vortices interact with the flow over the tubercle and accelerate that flow, helping to maintain a partially attached boundary layer. This hydrodynamic effect can delay stall to higher angles of attack, increases lift, and reduces drag compared to the post-stall condition of conventional wings. As the humpback whale functions in the marine environment in a Reynolds regime similar to some engineered marine systems, the use of tubercles has the potential to enhance the performance of wing-like structures. Specific applications of the tubercles for marine technology include sailboat masts, fans, propellers, turbines; and control surfaces, such as rudders, dive planes, stabilizers, spoilers, and keels.

• 出版日期2011-8