Introduction:

Nowadays, most vehicles, whether in the air or underwater, use propellers to generate high-speed jets to generate thrust. The high-speed operation of the propeller not only causes loud noise, but also generating centrifugal stress and cavitation on the propeller blades, which limits the life of the propulsion unit. When performing a special stealth mission, the noise generated by the high-speed rotating propeller is not conducive to the mission.

This project learns from flying insects, birds and fish in the sea, and intends to develop a flapping-foils experimental mechanism to study the interaction between fluid and structure. The results will help to develop quiet, efficient and environmentally friendly underwater vehicles, propelled by oscillating/flapping foils. In addition, the new advanced concept propulsion mechanism will remove the barriers of current underwater operations in shallow and coastal areas.