Scientists and Engineers Have Developed Revolutionary Folding Fins

Divers and avid swimmers have long been aware that fins are heavy, bulky and difficult to transport. A solution to this problem was delayed by the availability of suitable materials.

When the opportunity arose, a group of engineers and scientists created the solution—folding fins!

An idea born out of utility reasons.

Most inventions have arisen from the need to solve a problem. In this case, the need to pack fins into luggage inspired the creation of folding fins. But how did they manage to do it?

Experienced scientists from the Naval Academy, as well as inventive engineers, developed preliminary 3D models and checked the assumptions in flow simulations. To ensure transparency throughout the experiment, scientists worked on excluding the ambiguous measurements coming from diver oxygen consumption which depends on metabolic processes, physical condition, training status, and neuromuscular factors on the day of diving. What is more, the difficulties in assessing fin parameters are mainly caused by a strongly nonlinear interaction between flexible fins and fluid, and little has been published on this. Identifying the right parameters was key to creating an optimal folding fins model.

For this purpose, in addition to the fin model, water flow conditions had to be created. Scientists calculated that the best solution would be to create a closed water cycle in the tunnel. Without a doubt, simulations with the use of a hydrodynamic tunnel dispelled all doubts and showed that further work on this innovative solution would improve the current model.

The obvious next step was to create the first prototypes using 3D printers, and then the engineers created an authentic hydrodynamic tunnel and tested folding fins in real conditions vs a simulation. In addition, they developed a robot that mimicked the natural movement of a human leg. Water flow sensors, laser detectors of nano silver particles, and many other devices resulted in a detailed scientific paper. 

A few words about biomimetics

Biomimetics is a science that mimics structures, phenomena and processes from the natural world and implements them in practical application.

And how does this solution apply to folding fins?

Thanks to the cooperation of the research team from the Naval Academy, a model of the fin was developed, consisting of 2 propelling laths and a biomimetic membrane in between, behaving similarly to the membrane that can be observed, for example, in a frog’s legs or a fish’s fins.

And how do folding fins perform in action?

The folding fins were tested by a group of 50 people in swimming pool conditions. Everything went excellent and it’s worth mentioning that many testers had never dealt with fin swimming before!

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How do the folding fins impact the environment?

As environmentally conscientious divers and swimmers, we are committed to preserving our planet’s water ecosystems. There are many products on the market that fulfill their intended role, but those products are not entirely environmentally friendly.

With foldable fins, thanks to the use of recyclable plastics and the reduction of the fins’ dimensions, an environmentally friendly product has been created.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AND PRE-ORDER OWN FOLDING FINS – go to www.foldingfins.com

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