Changes in rays’ swimming stability due to the phase difference between left and right pectoral fin movements
2022.02.11
Summary
Swimming motions of rays that swim using undulation locomotion are not always symmetrical; there may be a phase difference between the left and right pectoral fins. The analysis was performed under four phase difference conditions: 0 T (T is the period), 0.25 T, 0.5 T, and 0.75 T. The results show that a phase difference between the left and right pectoral fin movements affects swimming stability and maneuverability but not propulsive efficiency. Therefore, we suggest that the phase difference in pectoral fin movements is essential for the swimming of rays, and rays adjust the phase difference between the movement of the left and right pectoral fins to suit their purpose.
うねり動作型のエイは左右の胸ビレ動作に位相差を持つような遊泳を行う．本研究では左右の胸ビレ動作の位相差が直進遊泳へ与える影響を調べた．その結果，位相差が0.25，0.75周期の時は遊泳の操縦性が向上し，0.5周期の時は遊泳の安定性が向上することが分かり，エイは目的に合わせて左右の胸ビレ動作の位相差を使い分けている可能性を示した．
PUBLICATION
Changes in rays’ swimming stability due to the phase difference between left and right pectoral fin movements. Scientific Reports (2022)