Dylan K Wainwright et al. indicated high-performance Tuna platform for
designing autonomous underwater vehicles [1]. Although their
research will be useful, they should focus on the role of fins. Vadim
Pavlov, et al. described hydraulic control of tuna fins [2]. During
the late 18th century, wing designs were based on
anatomical studies on dolphins, trout and tuna by the “father of
aerodynamics”, Sir George Cayley [3,4]. Fish that are adapted for
fast swimming, like tuna, are generally fusiform in shape and this is
considered an efficient, hydrodynamic shape [5,6]. The
hydraulic-fin-manufacture utilized multiple small fins instead of large
hydraulic fins through the experiment for adopting better boat
stabilizers [7]. By using two, four or six smaller active fins
grouped together, the more small fins system produces better results
without causing drag and slowing boats [7]. Tuna has such efficient
hydrodynamic multiple small fins including 1st dorsal fin, 2nd dorsal
fin, finlets, caudal fin, pelvic fin, pectoral fin, and anal fin. Every
tuna fin may have the special role for better performance in
stabilization of any vehicles.
References:
1. Dylan K Wainwright and George V Lauder 2020 Bioinspir. Biomim.15
035007
2. Vadim Pavlov, et al., Hydraulic control of tuna fins: A role for the
lymphatic system in vertebrate locomotion, Science, 21 Jul 2017,
Vol.357, Issue 6348, pp.310-314
3. Bio-mimetic Drag Reduction – Part 2: Aero- and Hydrodynamics, March
31, 2012
http://aerospaceengineeringblog.com/bio-mimetic-drag-reduction-2/
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Cayley
5. Eric Pickhartz, The ‘Tuna Robot’ is the Navy’s Newest Underwater
Drone, July 4, 2014
http://www.wideopenspaces.com/tuna-robot-navys-newest-underwater-drone/
6. Kirk Janowiak, Are fish aerodynamic?, Jan 12, 2015
https://www.quora.com/Are-fish-aerodynamic
7. High-Performance Active Fin Stabilizers Improve Boat Speed and
Performance, Feb 21, 2017
http://www.gyrogalestabilizers.com/high-performance-active-fin-stabilizers-improve-boat-speed-performance/