Flapping dynamics of a flexible propulsor near ground

The flapping motion of a flexible propulsor near the ground was simulated using the immersed boundary method. The hydrodynamic benefits of the propulsor near the ground were explored by varying the heaving frequency (St) of the leading edge of the flexible propulsor. Propulsion near the ground had some advantages in generating thrust and propelling faster than propulsion away from the ground. The mode analysis and flapping amplitude along the Lagrangian coordinate were examined to analyze the kinematics as a function of the ground proximity (d) and St. The trailing edge amplitude (\(a_\mathrm{tail}\)) and the net thrust (\(\overline{{F}}_x\)) were influenced by St of the flexible propulsor. The vortical structures in the wake were analyzed for different flapping conditions.