Modulating yaw with an unstable rigid body and a course-stabilizing or steering caudal fin in the yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus).

ABSTRACT: Despite that boxfishes have a rigid carapace that restricts body undulation, they are highly manoeuvrable and manage to swim with remarkably dynamic stability. Recent research has indicated that the rigid body shape of boxfishes shows an inherently unstable response in its rotations caused by course-disturbing flows. Hence, any net stabilizing effect should come from the fishes' fins. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of the surface area and orientation of the caudal fin on the yaw torque exerted on the yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus, a square cross-sectional shaped species of boxfish. Yaw torques quantified in a flow tank using a physical model with an attachable closed or open caudal fin at different body and tail angles and at different water flow speeds

SUBMITTER: Boute PG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7211845 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature