Effect of spatial and dynamically varying stiffness on a flexible self-propelled swimmer
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Spatially nonuniform structural properties in aquatic animals, together with their active stiffness-modulation behavior, have inspired bioinspired designs that can now be emulated using smart materials capable of dynamic stiffness changes. This study numerically investigates the propulsion performance of a self-propelled swimmer in which variable stiffness is achieved through spatially nonuniform modulus distributions, dynamically varying patterns, or a combination of both.These findings offer guidance for designing efficient and high-performance bioinspired underwater vehicles.
