Propulsive mechanisms in animal swimming and flying locomotion

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Abstract
The objective of this paper is a description of animal swimming and flying locomotion in terms of wave theory. In this context various oscillatory organs of locomotion, such as flagella, fins and wings, are interpreted as waveguides capable of transmitting mechanical transverse waves. Furthermore, the Poynting concept is used, according to which every type of wave transports not only energy but also momentum. Even with no detailed knowledge of the hydro- and aerodynamic flow fields it is possible to calculate the wave power, the propulsive force, and the propulsive efficiency with the means and methods of vibrational theory alone.

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