In this paper the global-stability theory is extended to account for weak spanwise-flow variations using a quasi-three-dimensional framework. The analysis considers the onset of vortex shedding behind a circular cylinder with a spanwise-varying diameter. The quasi-three-dimensional approach models the fully three-dimensional flow structure as a series of two-dimensional eigenvalue problems representing the sectional-flow behaviour. The sectional results are coupled together using the Ginzburg–Landau equation, which models the diffusive coupling and provides the global response. The onset of global instability (and thus vortex shedding) is linked to both the sectional growth rates (characterized by the maximum-diameter location) and the spanwise extent of the zone of instability. Unsteady numerical simulations are used to guide the global-stability analysis and to assess the fidelity of the predictions. Results from the stability analysis are shown to be in good agreement with the numerical simulations, which are in close agreement with experiments.

A submerged spring–mass ring is analysed as a simple model for the way in which an underwater swimmer couples its body deformations to the surrounding fluid in order to accomplish locomotion. We adopt an inviscid, incompressible, irrotational assumption for the surrounding fluid and analyse the coupling response to various modes of excitation of the ring configuration. Due to the added mass effect, the surrounding fluid provides an environment which effectively couples the ‘normal modes’ of oscillation of the ring, leading to nonlinear trajectories if the ring is free to accelerate based on the effective forces the oscillations induce. Through a series of examples, we demonstrate various features that the model supports, including the locomotion on curved paths as a result of energy and angular momentum exchange with the surrounding fluid.