An Application of the Weis-Fogh Mechanism to Ship Propulsion

Abstract

A mechanism of hovering flight of small insects which is called the Weis-Fogh mechanism is applied to ship propulsion. A model of the propulsion mechanism is proposed, which is based on a two-dimensional model of the Weis-Fogh mechanism and consists of one or two wings in a square channel. The dynamic properties of the model are studied experimentally, and the propulsive efficiency obtained is as high as 75 percent. A model ship equipped with this propulsion mechanism was made, and working tests performed. The model ship sailed very smoothly and the moving speed of the wings was small compared with the advancing speed of the ship.