Volumetric PIV system for research on flexible propulsors
Abstract
This DURIP proposal is to request funds for the acquisition of a Volumetric Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) System to measure and study 3D flow of flexible propulsors. Flexible and bioinspired propulsors have the potential to transform the way we explore our planet by improving performance and flow control, and thus, facilitating missions to more isolated and complexenvironments. However, there is a critical scientific need for a comprehensive understanding of the 3D flow around flexible propulsors including the kinematics and their effects on the flow, the fluid-propulsive surface interaction, and forces developed. A key aspect in this endeavor is to understand how flexible propulsors can actively and passively manipulate wake structures toimprove efficiency and performance. The proposed instrument will be able to perform 3D-PIV, 2D-PIV, and stereo PIV synchronized with body kinematics. This state-of-the-art research equipment will enable a series of cutting-edge projects to study swimming in unsteady flow using flexible foils, ribbon-fin-based propulsion, under-actuated undulating fins and flapping foils. The rationale for the proposed research projects is that an understanding between the interconnection of 3D flow structure, forces generated and elasto-mechanical properties of flexible propulsors is likely to transform the performance of underwater vehicles. Accomplishment of this work is expected to yield fundamental knowledge on how flexible surfaces are able to interact and modify their wake structures to improve performance usingchanges in morphology, stiffness and actuation parameters. This contribution is significant because it is expected to constitute an early step in a progression of research that will catalyze the use of flexible structures as a means of propulsion in engineering applications. The educational objective is to incorporate the use of the volumetric PIV system in the fluid mechanic course and in a new specialized course that focuses on the fluid mechanics of biological and bio-inspired systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 23, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612505
Entities
People
- Oscar Curet
Organizations
- Florida Atlantic University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy