Work

Self-motion of an ellipsoid with controllable rotation in potential flow

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The moving behaviors of a prolate spheroidal complex with the controllable rotation in an ideal fluid without vortex shedding are investigated to find out the self-propelled mechanism of a non-spherical swimmer via the self-controlled rotation coupled with shift of its internal mass. Based on the model, algebraic velocity vector equations for the complex are derived from the Kirchhoff equations. Several simple cases reveal that the single non-spherical body can push itself to move persistently forward to break the kinematic time-reversal symmetry through coupling the specially-appointed rotation with the corresponding cyclic shift of the internal mass, and some typical self-motion patterns such as trochoids in two dimensions and unidirectional spatial helical motions are identified. The study aims to provide a potential swimming manner of underwater vehicles.

Source: Journal of Ocean Engineering and Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.joes.2025.05.003

Authors: Zeyu Zhang, Qi Su, Yarong Zhou, Ren Sun

Institution: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Language: English

Topic: Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China

Award: G6891949467