Three-dimensional Hydrodynamic Analysis of Forelimb Propulsion of Sea Turtle With Prosthetic Flippers

Abstract

This study is to develop prosthetic flippers for an injured sea turtle named “Yu” from the view-point of 3D (three-dimensional) hydrodynamic analysis of sea turtles’ forelimb propulsion. Firstly template matching method is used to compare the 3D movements of fore flippers in three cases respectively: those of a healthy turtle, those of Yu with and without prosthetic flippers. Secondly 3D hydrodynamic analyses for three cases based on quasi-steady wing element theory are carried out to investigate the hydrodynamic effects of prosthetic flippers on the swimming performance of sea turtles. Finally the hydrodynamic effects are clarified and some remarks for designing new prosthetic flippers in future are given.