HYDRODYNAMIC ASPECTS OF DESIGN AND ATTACHMENT OF A BACK-MOUNTED DEVICE IN PENGUINS

Wind tunnel and water tank experiments were carried out on a penguin m odel in order to optimise the shape and attachment of a back-mounted d atalogger. Device-induced turbulence was minimised when the unit was p laced in the most caudal position. Drag was further reduced by shaping the device to match the body contour. The hydrodynamic resistance of the package could be reduced by 65% compared with an earlier unit. The se results are discussed together with results from new studies on kin ematics and energetics of underwater swimming of live instrumented pen guins.