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Journal of Experimental Biology 138,413-429 (1988)
Published by Company of Biologists 1988

Biomechanics of Frog Swimming : II. Mechanics of the Limb-Beat Cycle in Hymenochirus Boettgeri

JULIANNA M. GAL ¹ and R. W. BLAKE ²

¹ Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pure and Applied Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
² Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia Vancouver, Canada

The hindlimb kinematics of Hymenochirus boettgeri (Tornier) were investigated using high-speed ciné films. The movement pattern was stereotypic, flexion and extension of the metatarsal-phalangeals and feet always lagging behind flexion and extension of the femora and tibiofibulae. The right hindlimb was modelled as a series of linked circular cylinders and a flat plate. A blade-element approach was used to calculate the quasi-steady drag-based and accelerative force components parallel to the direction of motion, based on the hindlimb kinematics of sequence 1 (see preceding paper). Positive thrust is generated primarily during the initial stages of extension (power stroke) because of unsteady (added mass) effects. Negative thrust occurs over the latter half of extension, despite the continued acceleration of the animal. Hindlimb interaction is thought to provide propulsive thrust for the latter half of the extension phase. It is suggested that a jet and/or reflective effect may be involved.

Key words: frog, swimming biomechanics, hydrodynamic modelling, thrust

Accepted on March 16, 1988

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