Fluid dynamics

We are using a flow chamber win conjunction with three dimensional particle velocimetry to determine hydrodynamic forces acting onto flexible flapping fins. This is in connection with the project regarding fin regeneration in zebrafish, where we are interested in the hydrodynamic forces acting on fins during regenerative growth. 

As a simple model system, we are studying a fin made of PDMS and study its deflection and the corresponding water flows.

Using the Navier-Stokes equations for this flow, we then calculate both the pressure (shown above, colorcoded in Pa)  and the shear forces acting on the fin's surface.

The above image shows the shear forces stretching the synthetic fin along its dorso-ventral axis.