Fluid structure interaction modelling on flapping wings

Derek Risseeuw, Bas van Oudheusden, Alexander van Zuijlen, G. Chourdakis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientific

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Abstract

Flapping wings display complex flows which can be used to generate large lift forces. Flexibility in wings is widely used by natural flyers to increase the aerodynamic performance. The influence of wing flexibility on the flow can be computed using numerical analysis with Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI). The influence of inertial, elastic and aerodynamic forces is quantified using a 2D wing. A sinusoidal flapping motion is imposed on the leading edge of the vertical wing. The inertial force on the wing dominates for high mass ratios and the wing deflection is rather independent of the flow. For a low mass ratio, the wing deformation scales with the increasing elasticity. The maximum lift and lowest drag were found for the wing with large flexibility and low mass so the passive deformation by aerodynamic forces creates a favourable shape for lift production. Flexible translating and revolving wings at an angle of attack of 45 degrees show that chordwise flexibility decreases both lift and drag, however the lift over drag ratio is increased. The flow around both wings forms a coherent structure with a Root Vortex (RV), Tip Vortex (TV), Leading Edge Vortex (LEV) and Trailing Edge Vortex (TEV). The LEV on the revolving wing is stable for approximately up to half the span because vorticity is transported outward in the vortex core. The flowfield and LEV breakdown are consistent with experimental data of the same wing. The translating wing builds up circulation but the LEV detaches quickly near the centre of the wing. Chordwise bending reduces the angle of attack which decreases the distance to the core of the shed LEVs.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication8th International Conference on Computational Methods for Coupled Problems in Science and Engineering, COUPLED PROBLEMS 2019
EditorsEugenio Onate, Manolis Papadrakakis, Bernhard A. Schrefler
Pages33-46
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9788494919459
Publication statusPublished - 2021
EventCOUPLED PROBLEMS 2019: The 8th International Conference on Computational Methods for Coupled Problems in Science and Engineering - Sitges, Spain
Duration: 3 Jun 20195 Jun 2019
Conference number: 8th

Publication series

Name8th International Conference on Computational Methods for Coupled Problems in Science and Engineering, COUPLED PROBLEMS 2019

Conference

ConferenceCOUPLED PROBLEMS 2019
Country/TerritorySpain
CitySitges
Period3/06/195/06/19

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