To study fish locomotion, we develop reduced mathematical and numerical models
that capture the fundamental principles of aquatic locomotion; namely, the way
in which fish propel themselves by coupling their shape changes to the
surrounding fluid dynamics. We use these models to build control
strategies for motion planning.
The second focus of our work lies in developing discrete geometric theories and computational algorithms for solid and fluid mechanics. This will be an important tool in the development of more accurate models of biological fish as well as man-made vehicles.
We wish to acknowledge the generous support of the National Science Foundation through the CAREER award CMMI 06-44925 and the grants CCF 08-11480 and CMMI 07-57092.