Boute, Pim G.

Stamhuis, Eize J.

Van Wassenbergh, Sam

English

Boxfishes (Ostraciidae; Tetraodontiformes) have a rigid carapace which restricts body undulation. Swimming movements can only be generated by the fins which protrude from the carapace. Nevertheless, these fishes are highly manoeuvrable and manage to swim with remarkably dynamic stability. However, the rigid carapace of boxfishes shows an inherently unstable response in yaw caused by course-disturbing flows. Hence, any net stabilising effect should come from the fishes’ fins. Here, we aim to determine the effect of the surface area and orientation of the caudal fin on the yaw torque exerted on the square cross-sectional shaped yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus). Yaw torques were quantified in a flow tank using a 3D printed physical yellow boxfish model with an attachable closed or open caudal fin. The model was positioned at different body and tail angles and exposed to different water flow speeds. We show that the caudal fin is crucial for yaw control. These flow tank results were confirmed by computational fluid dynamics simulations. The caudal fin acts as both a course-stabiliser and rudder for the naturally unstable rigid carapace with regard to yaw. By using physical models and computer simulations, we quantitatively show that actively changing the shape and orientation of the caudal fin plays an important role in controlling yaw torque in yellow boxfish. Further study is needed to unravel how all components of the boxfishes’ locomotor apparatus function together, from a dynamic perspective, during lateral gust flows and turning

Dissertations of the University of Groningen

   University of GroningenModulation of yaw by the caudal fin in the yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)Boute, Pim G.; Van Wassenbergh, Sam; Stamhuis, Eize J.IMPORTANT NOTE: You are advised to consult the publisher's version (publisher's PDF) if you wish to cite fromit. Please check the document version below.Document VersionPublisher's PDF, also known as Version of recordPublication date:2021Link to publication in University of Groningen/UMCG research databaseCitation for published version (APA):Boute, P. G., Van Wassenbergh, S., & Stamhuis, E. J. (2021). Modulation of yaw by the caudal fin in theyellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus). 115. Abstract from SEB 2021 Annual Conference.CopyrightOther than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of theauthor(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons).The publication may also be distributed here under the terms of Article 25fa of the Dutch Copyright Act, indicated by the “Taverne” license.More information can be found on the University of Groningen website: https://www.rug.nl/library/open-access/self-archiving-pure/taverne-amendment.Take-down policyIf you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediatelyand investigate your claim.Downloaded from the University of Groningen/UMCG research database (Pure): http://www.rug.nl/research/portal. For technical reasons thenumber of authors shown on this cover page is limited to 10 maximum.Download date: 21-01-2023

Modulation of yaw by the caudal fin in the yellow boxfish (<i>Ostracion cubicus</i>)

https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/179380284/SEB_Annual_Conference_2021_Boute_et_al_boxfish.pdf

Modulation of yaw by the caudal fin in the yellow boxfish (<i>Ostracion cubicus</i>)

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Dissertations of the University of Groningen