Exploring the vibration attenuation capabilities of fish surface mucus films: a novel biomimetic model for underwater vehicle drag reduction

This groundbreaking research delves into the ability of naturally occurring mucus films on fish surfaces to attenuate vibrations, utilizing nanomechanical systems for a comprehensive analysis. The mucus samples were collected from healthy Asian carp. We grouped the test subjects based on the varying durations of mucus adsorption on the fish scales: 1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes, with the bare scale serving as a benchmark. To evaluate the mucus film’s mechanical characteristics, we employed a nano-indentation tester, while a customized vibration excitation apparatus assessed its vibration attenuation capabilities. Our results indicate that the mucus film adheres to the fish scales via electrostatic forces, forming a smooth inner layer. As the adsorption time increases, the accumulation of additional proteins leads to a thicker outer layer. Remarkably, this outer layer exhibits significant vibration attenuation, assisting Asian carp in mitigating turbulence resistance and enhancing their swimming prowess.