A mechanism of hovering flight of small insects which is called the Weis-Fogh mechanism is applied to ship propulsion. A model of the propulsion mechanism is proposed, and a model ship equipped with this propulsion mechanism was made. The model ship d...
A mechanism of hovering flight of small insects which is called the Weis-Fogh mechanism is applied to ship propulsion. A model of the propulsion mechanism is proposed, and a model ship equipped with this propulsion mechanism was made. The model ship demonstrates that this mechanism works as a ship propulsion. The dynamic properties of the model are studied experimentally, and the effects of the side walls and a control of the opening angle of the wing and also an interaction of two wings are clarified. Propulsive efficiency is as high as 80%, and the wing moving velocity is low comparing with the advancing speed of the ship. A conceptual design is carried out.