Mapping spatial patterns to energetic benefits in groups of flow-coupled swimmers.

ABSTRACT: The coordinated motion of animal groups through fluids is thought to reduce the cost of locomotion to individuals in the group. However, the connection between the spatial patterns observed in collectively moving animals and the energetic benefits at each position within the group remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we study the spontaneous emergence of cohesive formations in groups of fish, modeled as flapping foils, all heading in the same direction. We show in pairwise formations and with increasing group size that (1) in side-by-side arrangements, the reciprocal nature of flow coupling results in an equal distribution of energy requirements among all members, with reduction in cost of locomotion for swimmers flapping inphase but an increase in cost for swimmers flapping ant

SUBMITTER: Heydari S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11658766 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature