Dolphin

SUPERB SWIMMER

Dolphins are excellent swimmers. Ten times faster than humans, they can reach speeds of 40 km/h, propelled by their powerful tail.

Their flat, horizontal tail fin is composed of fibrous tissue, making it very flexible. Powerful muscles allow the dolphin to move it from top to bottom.

Some modes of propulsion in water already imitate the dolphin’s tail fin. A blade imitating its movement could replace a boat propeller. Nautical industry researchers are working to optimize the various parameters (angle, movement range, velocity) to maximize this propulsion system’s performance.

Similarly, canoe paddles could be replaced by a pedal linked to a fin imitating the dolphin’s in order to be more effective.

Engineers and biologists are also collaborating to optimize wind turbine blades. Biomimicry inspired by studying marine mammals’ flippers and fins could help create more effective, more silent propellers.

For more information on the animal:
Bottlenose dolphins

For more information on the technology:
Signal of change