Computer Modeling of Swimming Fish Could Lead to New Robots and Prosthetics
From: UM Newsdesk - 10/18/2010
By: Kelly Blake 

Researchers at the University of Maryland and Tulane University have
developed a computational model of a swimming fish that addresses the
interaction of both internal and external forces on locomotion. The model
simulates how the fish's body bends in response to the forces of the water
moving around it as well as its muscles inside. "This is the first time that
anyone has put together a computational framework to simulate this for large,
fast animals like fishes," says Maryland researcher Eric D. Tytell. The
research could help design humanoid robots and medical prosthetics for humans
that work with the body's natural mechanics. Tulane professor Lisa Fauci
developed the mathematical models and computer simulations required to
understand the complex biological systems in which flexible structures
interact with a surrounding fluid. "The simulations demonstrate that matching
the mechanical properties of future prosthetic devices to the body's natural
mechanics will be crucial," says Maryland professor Avis Cohen. 

Read the entire article at:
http://newsdesk.umd.edu/bigissues/release.cfm?ArticleID=2254

Links:
Eric D. Tytell
http://www.isr.umd.edu/Labs/ISL/CDS_Lecs/Bios/tytell_bio.html

Avis Cohen
http://chemlife.umd.edu/facultyresearch/facultydirectory/aviscohen