AI Article Synopsis
- A new method using volumetric velocimetry was developed to measure the 3D vortical structures created by dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) as they swim.
- The study found that the snake's undulating motion produced multiple paired vortex tubes, some forming a hairpin shape, aligning with previous computational fluid dynamics predictions.
- The research quantified various flow properties, such as vortex circulation and kinetic energy, providing a foundation for comparing different snake species and their swimming efficiency.
Article Abstract
We describe a method for measuring the 3D vortical structures produced by an anguilliform swimmer using volumetric velocimetry. The wake of freely swimming dice snakes (Natrix tessellata) was quantified, revealing the creation of multiple vortices along the body of the snake due to its undulation. The 3D structure of the vortices generally consisted of paired vortex tubes, some of which were linked together to form a hairpin structure. The observations match predictions from computational fluid dynamic studies of other anguilliform swimmers. Quantitative measurements allowed us to study vortex circulation and size, and global kinetic energy of the flow, which varied with swimming speed, vortex topology and individual characteristics. Our findings provide a baseline for comparing wake structures of snakes with different morphologies and ecologies and investigating the energetic efficiency of anguilliform swimming.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.245929 | DOI Listing |
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