QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY SEMINAR
Mechanical Models of Fish and Krill Swimming


Jan
14
2013

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  • Speaker: Silas Alben (U-M Mathematics)
  • Host Department: Physics
  • Date: 01/14/2013
  • Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

  • Location: 335 West Hall  (Show map)

  • Description:

    We will give an overview of a few swimming problems with biological
    applications. First, we present a model of fish fin mechanics and solve a simple optimization problem for fish fins: what distributions of elastic
    components maximize the stiffness of the fin? We then discuss the
    resonant properties of flexible beams in fluid flows, as models for
    fish fins and bodies during swimming. Finally, we will discuss a simple model of krill swimming which asks: how should the krill coordinate the motions of its appendages for fast and efficient swimming?