Experimental Setup for the Validation of the Bio-Inspired Thruster of an Ostraciiform Swimming Robot

In the last two decades, bio-inspired solutions have been thoroughly investigated as a source of efficiency and manoeuvrability improvement for underwater robots. The possibility to design a machine capable of propelling itself like a marine animal strongly depends on the understanding of the mechanics principles underlying biological swimming. The adoption of advanced simulation and measurement techniques is then fundamental to investigate the fluid-structure interaction phenomena characterizing the locomotion of aquatic animals. To address this very ambitious objective, the Authors designed an experimental setup devised to investigate the propulsive performances of an ostraciiform swimming robot. The numerical simulations performed on an oscillating foil led to the design of a dedicated force sensor, able to allow a complete characterization of the bio-inspired thruster and its actuation mechanism. The experimental test campaign is still under development but the results of the preliminary tests are hereby provided.