Dorsal Fin

Dorsal fins, and median fins more broadly, are crucial for aquatic locomotion, influencing acceleration, maneuverability, and energy efficiency in fish and bio-inspired robots. Current research focuses on understanding and replicating the dynamic morphing capabilities of these fins, employing techniques like origami-inspired actuators and machine learning models (e.g., Gaussian processes, convolutional neural networks) to predict and optimize fin performance. This work has implications for designing more efficient underwater robots and improving our understanding of the complex hydrodynamics of aquatic animal movement.