A monolithic algorithm for the flow simulation of flexible flapping wings
Abstract
It has been a challenge to simulate flexible flapping wings or other three-dimensional problems involving strong fluid–structure interactions. Solving a unified fluid–solid system in a monolithic manner improves both numerical stability and efficiency. The current algorithm considered a three-dimensional extension of an earlier work which formulated two-dimensional fluid–structure interaction monolithically under a unified framework for both fluids and solids. As the approach is extended from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional configuration, a cell division technique and the associated projection process become necessary and are illustrated here. Two benchmark cases, a floppy viscoelastic particle in shear flow and a flow passing a rigid sphere, are simulated for validation. Finally, the three-dimensional monolithic algorithm is applied to study a micro-air vehicle with flexible flapping wings in a forward flight at different angles of attack. The simulation shows the impact from the angle of attack on wing deformation, wake vortex structures, and the overall aerodynamic performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1177/1756829319846127
Entities
People
- Kun Jia
- Mingjun Wei
- Tao Yang
- Zhijian Chen
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Kansas State University
- New Mexico State University
- United States Army Research Laboratory
- University at Buffalo