Form-function relationship in artificial lateral lines
We examined the form-function relationship of laboratory-constructed artificial lateral line canals.
These biomimetic flow sensors consisted of a transparent silicone bar located inside a fluid filled
canal equipped with canal pores. The silicone bar guided the light from a LED towards a position-
sensitive photodiode. Fluid motion inside the canal deflected the silicone bar which was detected by
the photodiode. We found that the resonance frequency of the silicone bar determined the resonance
frequency of the artificial lateral line (frequency at which the sensor was most sensitive). The
thickness and length of the silicone bar influenced both, the resonance frequency and the
sensitivity (across all tested frequencies) of the artificial lateral line sensor. Sensitivity was
also influenced by the length and diameter of the artificial lateral line canals. The distance
between canal pores determined the spatial resolution of the sensor. The functionality of the sensor
in detecting...
Source: Bioinspiration and Biomimetics - Category: Science Authors: Felix Kaldenbach, Adrian Klein and Horst Bleckmann Source Type: research
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