Ravi C. Mysa, Kartik Venkatraman
DOI Number: N/A
Conference number: IFASD-2017-140
The elasto-dynamics coupled with the flow dynamics of the flapping flexible wing affects the propulsive performance. The formation, growth, and transport of the leading edge vortex plays a major role in the low frequency regime of oscillation of the flapping wing. This in turn influences the differential pressure distribution along the flexible foil. The spatial and temporal kinematics of the foil is dependent on this differential pressure distribution. And the spatial phase relation between the differential pressure distribution, foil kinematics, and base input excitation determine the propulsive performance of the oscillating flexible foil. We perform both potential and viscous flow numerical experiments to examine this coupling between the vorticity and the elastodynamics of the oscillating flexible foil to illustrate the mechanisms that are responsible for generating thrust.