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Project

Hydrodynamic analysis of suction feeding in fishes by means of computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

The suction feeding apparatus of fishes will be studied by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in order to gain functional insight into the consequences of variation in cranial morphology and head expansion kinematics on the induced suction flow. The characteristics of this suction-induced flow determines the performance of suction feeders in capturing prey, and is therefore of crucial importance for their survival. Fishes are undoubtedly one of the most morphologically diverse groups of vertebrate animals, and their cranial morphology often diverges considerably of what is considered as a "typical" fish head.
Date:1 Jan 2008 →  31 Dec 2010
Keywords:FEEDING MECHANISMS, BIOMECHANICS
Disciplines:Animal biology, Biomechanics, Veterinary medicine