A parametric investigation of the propulsion of 2D chordwise-flexible flapping wings at low Reynolds number using numerical simulations

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the effects of chordwise flexibility on flapping wings at low Reynolds number. The numerical simulations are performed with a partitioned fluid–structure interaction algorithm using artificial compressibility stabilization. The choice of the structural dimensionless parameters is based on scaling arguments and is compared against parameters used by other authors. The different regimes, namely inertia-driven and pressure-driven wing deformations, are presented along with their effects on the topology of the flow and on the performance of a heaving and pitching flapping wing in propulsion regime. It is found that pressure-driven deformations can significantly increase the thrust efficiency if a suitable amount of flexibility is used. Significant thrust increases are also observed in zero pitching amplitude cases. The effects of the second and third deformation modes on the performances of pressure-driven deformation cases are discussed. On the other hand, inertia-driven deformations generally deteriorate aerodynamic performances of flapping wings unless the behavior of the wing deformation is modified by the presence of sustainable superharmonics in a way that produces slight improvements. It is also shown that wing flexibility can act as an efficient passive pitching mechanism that allows fair thrust and better efficiency to be achieved when compared to a rigid pitching–heaving wing.     

Aerodynamic Coefficients and Deformation Measurements on Flexible Micro Air Vehicle Wings

This paper documents the elastic deformations and corresponding aerodynamic coefficients of flexible wings used for micro air vehicles (MAVs). These low-aspect ratio wings, developed and fabricated at the University of Florida, incorporate an elastic latex membrane skin covering a thin carbon fiber skeleton. The wings were tested in a unique low-speed wind tunnel facility integrating a visual image correlation (VIC) system with a six-component strain gauge sting balance. Model characteristics are presented, along with the appropriate specimen preparation techniques and wind tunnel instrumentation. The static response characteristics, including full-field displacements and plane strain measurements, for three distinct MAV wing designs are presented. The full-field deformation results show how passive wing flexibility preferably affects aerodynamic performance when compared to a rigid model of similar geometry.     

Nondimensional frequency scaling of aerodynamically-tensioned membranes

Membrane wings have applications that involve low Reynolds number flyers such as micro air vehicles. The time-averaged and time-dependent deformations of the membrane affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing, primarily in the region beyond the maximum aerodynamic efficiency of the wing. This paper investigates an appropriate nondimensional vibration frequency scaling of a spanwise tensioned membrane with free (unattached) leading and trailing edges at low Reynolds numbers relative to nondimensional aeroelastic parameters. Silicone rubber membranes with varying spanwise pre-tension, aerodynamic tension (due to wing angle-of-attack and flow dynamic pressure), modulus of elasticity, span, and thickness are studied. Experimental results are compared to a proposed scaling that simplifies the aerodynamic loading as a uniform pressure distribution acting on the membrane. Data is further compared and discussed relative to previous published results of membrane wings with finite wing spans (three-dimensional flow) and fixed (rigid) leading edges.     

A simulation-based study on longitudinal gust response of flexible flapping wings

Winged animals such as insects are capable of flying and surviving in an unsteady and unpredictable aerial environment. They generate and control aerodynamic forces by flapping their flexible wings. While the dynamic shape changes of their flapping wings are known to enhance the efficiency of their flight, they can also affect the stability of a flapping wing flyer under unpredictable disturbances by responding to the sudden changes of aerodynamic forces on the wing. In order to test the hypothesis, the gust response of flexible flapping wings is investigated numerically with a specific focus on the passive maintenance of aerodynamic forces by the wing flexibility. The computational model is based on a dynamic flight simulator that can incorporate the realistic morphology, the kinematics, the structural dynamics, the aerodynamics and the fluid–structure interactions of a hovering hawkmoth. The longitudinal gusts are imposed against the tethered model of a hovering hawkmoth with flexible flapping wings. It is found that the aerodynamic forces on the flapping wings are affected by the gust, because of the increase or decrease in relative wingtip velocity or kinematic angle of attack. The passive shape change of flexible wings can, however, reduce the changes in the magnitude and direction of aerodynamic forces by the gusts from various directions, except for the downward gust. Such adaptive response of the flexible structure to stabilise the attitude can be classified into the mechanical feedback, which works passively with minimal delay, and is of great importance to the design of bio-inspired flapping wings for micro-air vehicles.     

Study on the subgrade deformation under high-speed train loading and water–soil interaction

It is important to study the subgrade characteristics of high-speed railways in consideration of the water–soil coupling dynamic problem,especially when high-speed trains operate in rainy regions.This study develops a nonlinear water–soil interaction dynamic model of slab track coupling with subgrade under high-speed train loading based on vehicle–track coupling dynamics.By using this model,the basic dynamic characteristics,including water–soil interaction and without water induced by the high-speed train loading,are studied.The main factors-the permeability coefficien and the porosity-influencin the subgrade deformation are investigated.The developed model can characterize the soil dynamic behaviour more realistically,especially when considering the influenc of water-rich soil.     

Aeroelastic analysis of a rotating wind turbine blade using a geometrically exact formulation

In this paper, an aeroelastic analysis of a rotating wind turbine blade is performed by considering the effects of geometrical nonlinearities associated with large deflection of the blade produced during wind turbine operation. This source of nonlinearity has become more important in the dynamic analysis of flexible blades used in more recent multi-megawatt wind turbines. The structural modeling, involving the coupled edgewise, flapwise and torsional DOFs, has been performed by using a nonlinear geometrically exact beam formulation. The aerodynamic model is presented based on the strip theory, by applying the principles of quasi-steady and unsteady airfoil aerodynamics. Compared to the conventional steady aerodynamic model, the presented model offers a more realistic consideration of fluid–structure interactions. The resulting governing equation, expanded up to the third-order terms, is analyzed by using the reduced-order model (ROM). The ROM is developed by employing the coupled mode shapes of a cantilever blade under free loading condition. The specifications of the 5MW-NREL wind turbine are used in the simulation study. After verifying the ROM results by comparing them with those of the full FEM model, the model is used in additional static, modal and transient dynamics analyses. The results indicate the important effect of geometrical nonlinearity, especially for larger structural deformations. Moreover, nonlinear analyses reveal the important effects of torsion induced by lateral deformations. It is also found that the governing equation is more efficient, and sufficiently accurate, when it is developed by using the second-order kinetic terms, third-order potential terms and the second-order aerodynamic terms together with third-order damping. Finally, the effects of nonlinearities on the flutter characteristics of wind turbine blades are evaluated through frequency and dynamic analyses.     

Study on the operational safety of high-speed trains exposed to stochastic winds

The characteristic wind curve （CWC） was com- monly used in the previous work to evaluate the operational safety of the high-speed trains exposed to crosswinds. How- ever, the CWC only provide the dividing line between safety state and failure state of high-speed trains, which can not evaluate the risk of derailment of high-speed trains when ex- posed to natural winds. In the present paper, a more realistic approach taking into account the stochastic characteristics of natural winds is proposed, which can give a reasonable and effective assessment of the operational safety of high-speed trains under stochastic winds. In this approach, the longitudi- nal and lateral components of stochastic winds are simulated based on the Cooper theory and harmonic superposition. An algorithm is set up for calculating the unsteady aerody- namic forces （moments） of the high-speed trains exposed to stochastic winds. A multi-body dynamic model of the rail vehicle is established to compute the vehicle system dynamic response subjected to the unsteady aerodynamic forces （mo- ments） input. Then the statistical method is used to get the mean characteristic wind curve （MCWC） and spread range of the high-speed trains exposed to stochastic winds. It is found that the CWC provided by the previous analyticalmethod produces over-conservative limits. The methodol- ogy proposed in the present paper can provide more signif- icant reference for the safety operation of high-speed trains exposed to stochastic winds.     

主动控制翼板抑制悬索桥颤振的研究

主动控制翼板是一种新型桥梁气动措施。本文基于非定常气动力理论，推演了安装主动控制翼板后作用在整个桥梁主梁单位长度上气动力表达式，从增加系统扭转阻尼的角度，研究了翼板主动扭转振动参数的选取。在此基础上，对某大跨悬索桥方案进行了二自由度颤振分析，结果表明：合理选取翼板的主动扭转振动参数，主动控制翼板能够有效地提高该桥的颤振稳定性。     

Investigation on the planform and kinematic optimization of bio-inspired nano air vehicles for hovering applications

Wing shape and kinematics of flapping wing nano air vehicles are two important factors in their design process. These factors require an optimal design in terms of decreasing the needed aerodynamic power. Since, insects are regarded as the best natural flier in hovering flight, seven of their wings are considered in order to determine the best wing shape for hovering applications. Because of the difference in the original bio-inspired shape of these wings, two scenarios are studied, namely, considering the same wingspan and same wing surface. Using the quasi-steady approximation to model the aerodynamic loads and a basic gradient approach to optimize the kinematics of the wing, the optimum Euler angles, required aerodynamic power, and hence the best wing shape for each scenario are analytically determined. The results show that the wing shape and surface strongly impact the aerodynamic characteristics and performances of the chosen wing shapes. It is demonstrated that the twisted parasite wing shape is a good candidate to minimize the required aerodynamic power during hovering. The strategy used in this analysis can be used to evaluate the performance of any realistic wing shape design and could provide a guideline for selecting the best wing shape and kinematics for flapping wing nano air vehicles with hovering capabilities.     

Experimental study on interaction of aerodynamics with flexible wings of flapping vehicles in hovering and cruise flight

Flapping wings are promising lift and thrust generators, especially for very low Reynolds numbers. To investigate aeroelastic effects of flexible wings (specifically, wing’s twisting stiffness) on hovering and cruising aerodynamic performance, a flapping-wing system and an experimental setup were designed and built. This system measures the unsteady aerodynamic and inertial forces, power usage, and angular speed of the flapping wing motion for different flapping frequencies and for various wings with different chordwise flexibility. Aerodynamic performance of the vehicle for both no wind (hovering) and cruise condition was investigated. Results show how elastic deformations caused by interaction of inertial and aerodynamic forces with the flexible structure may affect specific power consumption. This information was used here to find a more suitable structural design. The best selected design in our tests performs up to 30% better than others (i.e., less energy consumption for the same lift or thrust generation). This measured aerodynamic information could also be used as a benchmarking data for unsteady flow solvers.     

Reseach on stability of laminated composite plate under nonlinear aerodynamic load

In this paper, we propose an finite element approach based on classical plate theory to investigate the dynamic stability of a layered composite plate subject to nonlinear aerodynamic load. This study considers the influence of temperature, nonlinear geometry, and nonlinear aerodynamic load on composite plate structures simultaneously. Specifically, the present work conduct comparison the results of the critical pressure value between the nonlinear aerodynamic load and the linear aerodynamic load, thereby pointing out some necessary cases which must consider the nonlinearity of aerodynamic load for calculating the aerospace structures. We determine the critical pressure value and vibrational amplitude response of the plate by means of calculation. The outcomes of our calculations can be useful in designing and repairing body shells and wings of aircraft equipment.     

高速飞行器中空翼结构高温热振动特性试验研究

远程高速飞行器飞行速度快, 滞空时间长, 飞行过程中翼、舵等结构会出现长时间的剧烈振动, 由气动加热产生的高温还会使飞行器材料和结构的弹性性能发生变化, 从而引起翼、舵等结构振动特性的改变.因此获得高温与振动复合环境下的远程高速飞行器翼、舵等结构的振动特性参数对于高速飞行器的安全设计具有非常重要的意义.将高温热环境试验系统与振动试验系统相结合, 在对中空翼面结构进行振动激励的同时使用红外辐射加热方式对翼面结构生成可控的热环境, 并通过自行设计的耐高温引伸装置将中空翼结构的振动信号传递到非高温区进行数据采集与分析的方式, 实现了高达800℃~900℃的力热复合环境下的翼结构固有频率、模态等振动特性参数的试验测试, 其试验结果为远程高速飞行器中空翼结构在高温振动环境下的动特性分析和安全可靠性设计提供了重要依据.     

高速磁浮列车气动噪声分布规律研究

本文基于上海线高速磁浮列车现场噪声测试，结合数值仿真分析了磁浮列车行驶时的噪声特性以及气动噪声分布规律．数值仿真采用延时分离涡结合声比拟的方法，并对比现场测试噪声数据，给出了高速列车气动噪声特性以及噪声源分布规律．研究结果表明：列车行驶时噪声时程呈现很强脉冲性，频率小于100 Hz噪声主要来源于与高架桥梁结构振动相关的二次辐射噪声，特别是次声频段内，桥梁自振会产生显著的噪声．磁浮列车表面气动噪声分布规律与噪声频率相关，低频噪声与列车的车尾涡脱相关，高频噪声由车头边界层分离以及再附着、车身边界层流动等引起，而中频噪声主要产生于列车底部、抱轨与轨道梁表面相对运动作用．因此，高速磁浮列车除了要重点考虑车头、车尾的气动外形对气动噪声的影响外，还应考虑轨道间隙处气动噪声及其分布规律．     

An efficient method for nonlinear aeroelasticy of slender wings

This paper aims the nonlinear aeroelastic analysis of slender wings using a nonlinear structural model coupled with the linear unsteady aerodynamic model. High aspect ratio and flexibility are the specific characteristic of this type of wings. Wing flexibility, coupled with long wingspan can lead to large deflections during normal flight operation of an aircraft; therefore, a wing in vertical/forward-afterward/torsional motion using a third-order form of nonlinear general flexible Euler–Bernoulli beam equations is used for structural modeling. Unsteady linear aerodynamic strip theory based on the Wagner function is used for determination of aerodynamic loading on the wing. Combining these two types of formulation yields nonlinear integro-differentials aeroelastic equations. Using the Galerkin’s method and a mode summation technique, the governing equations will be solved by introducing a numerical method without the need to adding any aerodynamic state space variables and the corresponding equations related to these variables of the problem. The obtained equations are solved to predict the aeroelastic response of the problem. The obtained results for a test case are compared with those of some other works and show a good agreement between results.     

Aerodynamic design on high-speed trains

Compared with the traditional train, the operational speed of the high-speed train has largely improved, and the dynamic environment of the train has changed from one of mechanical domination to one of aerodynamic domination. The aerodynamic problem has become the key technological challenge of high-speed trains and significantly affects the economy, environment, safety, and comfort. In this paper, the relationships among the aerodynamic design principle, aerodynamic performance indexes, and design variables are first studied, and the research methods of train aerodynamics are proposed, including numerical simulation, a reduced-scale test, and a full-scale test. Technological schemes of train aerodynamics involve the optimization design of the streamlined head and the smooth design of the body surface. Optimization design of the streamlined head includes conception design, project design, numerical simulation, and a reduced-scale test. Smooth design of the body surface is mainly used for the key parts, such as electric-current collecting system, wheel truck compartment, and windshield. The aerodynamic design method established in this paper has been successfully applied to various high-speed trains (CRH380A, CRH380AM, CRH6, CRH2G, and the Standard electric multiple unit (EMU)) that have met expected design objectives. The research results can provide an effective guideline for the aerodynamic design of high-speed trains.     

Effects of camber angle on aerodynamic performance of flapping-wing micro air vehicle

This study investigates the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of the cambered wings of a flapping-wing micro air vehicle (FW-MAV) in hover. A three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction solver is developed for a realistic modeling of large-deforming wing structure and geometry. Cross-validation is conducted against the experimental results obtained also in the present study to establish more accurate analyses of cambered wings. An investigation is carried out on the unsteady vortex structures around the wings caused by the passive twisting motion. A parametric study is then conducted to evaluate the aerodynamic performance with respect to the camber angle at three different flapping frequencies including normal operating conditions. The camber angles producing the largest thrust and highest propulsive efficiency are estimated at each flapping frequency, and their effects on aerodynamic performance are analyzed in terms of the stroke phase. The timing and magnitude of the passive twisting motion, which are dependent on the camber angle at the operating frequency, greatly affects the unsteady vortex structure. Consequently, the camber angle designed at the operating frequency plays a key role in enhancing the aerodynamic performance of FW-MAVs.     

Numerical simulation of flow over an airfoil in heavy rain via a two-way coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach

Airfoil performance degradation in heavy rain has attracted many aeronautical researchers’ eyes. In this work, a two-way momentum coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian approach is developed to study the aerodynamic performance of a NACA 0012 airfoil in heavy rain environment. Scaling laws are implemented for raindrop particles. A random walk dispersion approach is adopted to simulate raindrop dispersion due to turbulence in the airflow. Raindrop impacts, splashback and formed water film are modeled with the use of a thin liquid film model. The steady-state incompressible air flow field and the raindrop trajectory are calculated alternately through a curvilinear body-fitted grid surrounding the airfoil by incorporating an interphase momentum coupling term. Our simulation results of aerodynamic force coefficients agree well with the experimental results and show significant aerodynamic penalties at low angles of attack for the airfoil in heavy rain. An about 3° rain-induced increase in stall angle of attack is predicted. The loss of boundary momentum by raindrop splashback and the effective roughening of the airfoil surface due to an uneven water film are testified to account for the degradation of airfoil aerodynamic efficiency in heavy rain environment.     

Aerodynamic forces acting on an albatross flying above sea-waves

IntroductionIt was observed long time ago that the large sea bird such as albatross has excellent flightskills.The albatross can keep its soaring for a long time even in rough sea without flappingwings.This problemwas discussed byWood C.J.[1].He supposed …     

仿生扑翼飞行机器人翅型的研制与实验研究

模仿昆虫和小鸟飞行的扑翼飞行机器人将举升、悬停和推进功能集于一个扑翼系统,与固定翼和旋翼完全不同,因此研究只能从生物仿生开始。生物飞行的极端复杂性使得进行完整和精确的扑翼飞行分析非常复杂,因此本文在仿生学进展基础上,通过一些合适的假设和简化,建立了仿生翅运动学和空气动力学模型,并以此为基础研制了多种翅型。研制了气动力测量实验平台,对各种翅型进行了实验研究。实验结果表明,研制的翅型都能产生一定的升力,其中柔性翅具有较好的运动性能和气动性能,并且拍动频率和拍动幅度对升力有较大影响。     

汽车外流场数值仿真中的湍流模型分析与应用

采用较为合理的计算流体力学分析技术对汽车高速行驶时其外部气动特 性进行研究. 以带有轮胎、侧后视镜以及天线等突出部件的某轿车外流场模型为研究对象, 在稳态下采用RNS法中Realizable $k$-$\varepsilon$两方程湍流模型结合增强壁 面函数法对不同车速工况下整车外流场进行数值仿真计算. 研究表明：沿车辆X纵 向上所形成压力差是产生气动阻力的主要原因; 随车速的提高, 气动阻力 的增长速度快于气动升力的增长.