Investigation of passive oscillations of flexible splitter plates attached to a circular cylinder

This paper presents a numerical study to address wake control of a circular cylinder subjected to two-dimensional laminar flow regime using single and multiple flexible splitter plates attached to the cylinder. Three different cases are presented in the study, covering cylinders with one, two and three horizontally attached splitter plates while the locations of the plates around the cylinders are varied. The length of the splitter plates was equal to the cylinder diameter and Reynolds number was 100. Due to the flexibility of the plates, the problem was modeled as a Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) problem and the commercial finite element software, Comsol Multiphysics, was utilized to solve this problem using Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method. Vortex shedding frequency and fluid forces acting on the cylinder are investigated, along with a comprehensive parametric study to identify the optimum arrangement of the plates for maximum drag reduction and maximum vortex shedding frequency reduction. The numerical results associated to the flexible splitter plates are also compared with the corresponding rigid splitter plate cases investigated in a previous study. Moreover, the tip amplitude of the plates and the maximum strains were measured in order to find an optimum position for placing a piezoelectric polymer to harvest energy from the flow.     

Piezoelectric coupling in energy-harvesting fluttering flexible plates: linear stability analysis and conversion efficiency

This paper investigates the energy harvested from the flutter of a plate in an axial flow by making use of piezoelectric materials. The equations for fully coupled linear dynamics of the fluid–solid and electrical systems are derived. The continuous limit is then considered, when the characteristic length of the plate's deformations is large compared to the piezoelectric patches' length. The linear stability analysis of the coupled system is addressed from both a local and global point of view. Piezoelectric energy harvesting adds rigidity and damping on the motion of the flexible plate, and destabilization by dissipation is observed for negative energy waves propagating in the medium. This result is confirmed in the global analysis of fluttering modes of a finite-length plate. It is finally observed that waves or modes destabilized by piezoelectric coupling maximize the energy conversion efficiency.     

Bifurcation and chaos of a flag in an inviscid flow

A two-dimensional model is developed to study the flutter instability of a flag immersed in an inviscid flow. Two dimensionless parameters governing the system are the structure-to-fluid mass ratio M^⁎ and the dimensionless incoming flow velocity U^⁎. A transition from a static steady state to a chaotic state is investigated at a fixed M^⁎=1 with increasing U^⁎. Five single-frequency periodic flapping states are identified along the route, including four symmetrical oscillation states and one asymmetrical oscillation state. For the symmetrical states, the oscillation frequency increases with the increase of U^⁎, and the drag force on the flag changes linearly with the Strouhal number. Chaotic states are observed when U^⁎ is relatively large. Three chaotic windows are observed along the route. In addition, the system transitions from one periodic state to another through either period-doubling bifurcations or quasi-periodic bifurcations, and it transitions from a periodic state to a chaotic state through quasi-periodic bifurcations.     

Stability of a flexible insert in one wall of an inviscid channel flow

A hybrid of computational and theoretical methods is extended and used to investigate the instabilities of a flexible surface inserted into one wall of an otherwise rigid channel conveying an inviscid flow. The computational aspects of the modelling combine finite-difference and boundary-element methods for structural and fluid elements respectively. The resulting equations are coupled in state-space form to yield an eigenvalue problem for the fluid–structure system. In tandem, the governing equations are solved to yield an analytical solution applicable to inserts of infinite length as an approximation for modes of deformation that are very much shorter than the overall length of the insert. A comprehensive investigation of different types of inserts – elastic plate, damped flexible plate, tensioned membrane and spring-backed flexible plate – is conducted and the effect of the proximity of the upper channel wall on stability characteristics is quantified. Results show that the presence of the upper-channel wall does not significantly modify the solution morphology that characterises the corresponding open-flow configuration, i.e. in the absence of the rigid upper channel wall. However, decreasing the channel height is shown to have a very significant effect on instability-onset flow speeds and flutter frequencies, both of which are reduced. The channel height above which channel-confinement effects are negligible is shown to be of the order of the wavelength of the critical mode at instability onset. For spring-backed flexible plates the wavelength of the critical mode is much shorter than the insert length and we show very good agreement between the predictions of the analytical and the state-space solutions developed in this paper. The small discrepancies that do exist are shown to be caused by an amplitude modulation of the critical mode on an insert of finite length that is unaccounted for in the travelling-wave assumption of the analytical model. Overall, the key contribution of this paper is the quantification of the stability bounds of a fundamental fluid–structure interaction (FSI) system which has hitherto remained largely unexplored.     

Numerical simulation of the interaction between flow and flexible nets

A numerical approach is proposed to simulate the interaction between flow and flexible nets in steady current. The numerical approach is based on the joint use of the porous-media model and the lumped-mass model. The configuration of flexible nets can be simulated using the lumped-mass model and the flow field around fishing nets can be simulated using the porous-media model. Using an appropriate iterative scheme, the fluid–structure interaction problem can be solved and the steady flow field around flexible nets can be obtained. In order to validate the numerical models, the numerical results were compared with the data obtained from corresponding physical model tests. The comparisons show that the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental data. Using the proposed numerical approach, this paper presents the flow field around a single flexible net and two flexible nets with a spacing distance. Both the configuration of the flexible nets and the flow velocity results are in accordance with those of the corresponding physical model tests.     

Linear stability analysis of coupled parallel flexible plates in an axial flow

We study here the linear stability of N identical flexible plates with clamped–free boundary conditions forced by a uniform parallel flow. Flow viscosity and elastic damping are neglected, and the flow around the plates is assumed potential. The shedding of vorticity from the plates’ trailing edges is accounted for by introducing a force-free wake behind each plate. A Galerkin method is used to compute the eigenmodes of the system. We are interested in the effects of the number of plates and their relative distance on the stability property of the state of rest, as well as in the nature and structure of the coupled states. Detailed results are presented for the cases N=2, N=3 and N1.     

Flutter of an elastic plate in a channel flow: Confinement and finite-size effects

When a cantilevered plate lies in an axial flow, it is known to exhibit self-sustained oscillations once a critical flow velocity is reached. This flutter instability has been investigated theoretically, numerically and experimentally by different authors, showing that the critical velocity is always underestimated by two-dimensional models. However, it is generally admitted that, if the plate is confined in the spanwise direction by walls, three-dimensionality of the flow is reduced and the two-dimensional models can apply. The aim of this article is to quantify this phenomenon by analysing the effect of the clearance between the plate and the side walls on the flutter instability. To do so, the pressure distribution around an infinite-length plate is first solved in the Fourier space, which allows to develop an analytical model for the pressure jump. This model is then used in real space to compute instability thresholds as a function of the channel clearance, the plate aspect ratio and mass ratio. Our main result shows that, as the value of the clearance is reduced, the convergence towards the two-dimensional limit is so slow that this limit is unattainable experimentally.     

Vibrations and stability of a periodically supported rectangular plate immersed in axial flow

Vibrations and stability of a thin rectangular plate, infinitely long and wide, periodically supported in both directions (so that it is composed by an infinite number of supported rectangular plates with slope continuity at the edges) and immersed in axial liquid flow on its upper side is studied theoretically. The flow is bounded by a rigid wall and the model is based on potential flow theory. The Galerkin method is applied to determine the expression of the flow perturbation potential. Then the Rayleigh–Ritz method is used to discretize the system. The stability of the coupled system is analyzed by solving the eigenvalue problem as a function of the flow velocity; divergence instability is detected. The convergence analysis is presented to determine the accuracy of the computed eigenfrequencies and stability limits. Finally, the effects of the plate aspect ratio and of the channel height ratio on the critical velocity giving divergence instability and vibration frequencies are investigated.     

Improving power-extraction efficiency of a flapping plate: From passive deformation to active control

A flapping plate flow energy harvester in a viscous uniform flow is simulated using a two-dimensional numerical approach. Our focus is to study the effects of flexibility and active control on the power-extraction capability of the flapping plate, and consequently to find a strategy to increase its power-extraction efficiency. Four typical cases with optimal kinematics predicted by previous studies are presented and discussed: a rigid plate, a flexible plate, a plate with a flexible leading segment and a rigid trailing segment, and a rigid plate with a simple active control on the leading segment. Our simulations show that with the kinematic parameters considered, the plate flexibility cannot significantly improve the power-extraction capability of the plate while the active control on the leading segment of the rigid plate increases the power coefficient by 11.3%. The analysis of flow fields shows that the changes in the power coefficient and drag force are related to the vortex structures and pressure distributions near the plate, as well as the projection area of the plate in the direction of the translational movement.     

Modal characteristics of a flexible cylinder in turbulent axial flow from numerical simulations

In this paper the vibration behavior of a flexible cylinder subjected to an axial flow is investigated numerically. Therefore a methodology is constructed, which relies entirely on fluid–structure interaction calculations. Consequently, no force coefficients are necessary for the numerical simulations. Two different cases are studied. The first case is a brass cylinder vibrating in an axial water flow. This calculation is compared to experiments in literature and the results agree well. The second case is a hollow steel tube, subjected to liquid lead–bismuth flow. Different flow boundary conditions are tested on this case. Each type of boundary conditions leads to a different confinement and results in different eigenfrequencies and modal damping ratios. Wherever appropriate, a comparison has been made with an existing theory. Generally, this linear theory and the simulations in this paper agree well on the frequency of a mode. With respect to damping, the agreement is highly dependent on the correlation used for the normal friction coefficients in the linear theory.     

The effect of inertial inhomogeneity on the flutter of a cantilevered flexible plate

We study the effect of adding discrete structural mass on the linear stability of an otherwise homogeneous cantilevered-free flexible plate immersed in uniform axial flow. The methods of Howell et al. that mixed numerical simulation with eigenvalue analysis are simply extended for the present study. An ideal two-dimensional flow is assumed wherein the rotationality of the boundary-layers is modelled by vortex elements on the solid-fluid interface and the imposition of the Kutta condition at the plate's trailing edge. The Euler-Bernoulli beam model is used for the structural dynamics. It is shown that addition of mass to the plate can be either stabilising or destabilising, depending upon the location of the added mass, and how its inclusion modifies the energy exchanges of the corresponding homogeneous structure. Our results therefore suggest a straightforward means by which the critical flow speed at which low-amplitude flutter sets in can be passively controlled in engineering applications.     

A mathematical approach to study fluid-coupled vibration of eccentric annular plates

A mathematical method is proposed to study fluid-coupled vibration of axisymmetric plate structures with asymmetries due to either imperfection or practical reasons, e.g. the weight reduction of structure, natural frequency shifting, and accessibility. The suggested approach makes use of the separation of variables to determine general solutions of the partial differential equation of the plate transverse displacement, whilst defining multiple polar coordinate systems, each of which offers its own formulation of the plate deformation with respect to its coordinate system. Moreover, closed-form geometric equations and the chain rule for determining derivatives are implemented to move from one coordinate system to the other in order to satisfy boundary conditions. The mode shapes of the vibrating plate in the dry condition are determined and in turn used in the Rayleigh–Ritz method to characterize vibrational properties of the fluid-coupled plate structure. While implementing such an energy method, the fluid motion is formulated employing the velocity potential and solved using the separation of variables. Fluid–structure interaction is also taken into account satisfying the compatibility condition on the fluid–plate​ interface. The developed methodology to predict natural frequencies has been validated by comparison with results obtained by a commercial finite element program. It is also found that the eccentricity tends to reduce natural frequencies of the fluid-coupled system for the lower serial mode, but increases them for the higher serial modes regardless of the presence of liquid.     

Computation of unsteady viscous flow around a locally flexible airfoil at low Reynolds number

A numerical method for fluid–structure interaction is presented for the analysis of unsteady viscous flow over a locally flexible airfoil. The Navier–Stokes equations are solved by ALE–CBS algorithm, coupling with a structural solver with large deformation. Following the validation of the method, a numerical example for the flight of micro-air vehicles at low Reynolds number is chosen for the computation. The coupling effect of flexible structure with different elastic stiffness on aerodynamic performance is demonstrated. A noticeable camber effect is induced by the deflection of the structure as the elastic stiffness of the structure goes smaller. Moreover, when the vibrating frequencies of the structure with smaller elastic stiffness have a close correlation with the shedding frequencies, the positive impact of the vibration of local flexible surface on the lift of the airfoil is highlighted, which results from the formation of the coherent vortices.     

The computational fluid dynamics modelling of the autorotation of square,flat plates

This paper examines the use of a coupled Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) – Rigid Body Dynamics (RBD) model to study the fixed-axis autorotation of a square flat plate. The calibration of the model against existing wind tunnel data is described. During the calibration, the CFD models were able to identify complex period autoration rates, which were attributable to a mass eccentricity in the experimental plate. The predicted flow fields around the autorotating plates are found to be consistent with existing observations. In addition, the pressure coefficients from the wind tunnel and computational work were found to be in good agreement. By comparing these pressure distributions and the vortex shedding patterns at various stages through an autorotation cycle, it was possible to gain important insights into the flow structures that evolve around the plate. The CFD model is also compared against existing correlation functions that relate the mean tip speed ratio of the plate to the aspect ratio, thickness ratio and mass moment of inertia of the plate. Agreement is found to be good for aspect ratios of 1, but poor away from this value. However, other aspects of the numerical modelling are consistent with the correlations.     

Numerical investigation of the interaction of a vortex dipole with a deformable plate

Energy harvesting from coherent fluid structures is a current research topic due to its application in the design of small self-powered sensors for underwater applications. The impact of a vortex dipole with a deformable cantilevered plate at the plate tip is herein studied numerically using a strongly coupled staggered fluid–structure interaction algorithm. Three dipole Reynolds numbers, Re=500, 1500, and 3000, are investigated for constant plate properties. As the dipole approaches the plate, positive vorticity is produced on the impact face, while negative vorticity is generated at the tip of the plate. Upon impact, the dipole splits into two, and two secondary dipoles are formed. The circulation and, therefore, the trajectories of these dipoles depend on both the Reynolds number and the elasticity of the plate, and these secondary dipoles may return for subsequent impacts. While the maximum deflection of the plate does not depend significantly on Reynolds number, the plate response due to subsequent impacts of secondary dipoles does vary with Reynolds number. These results elucidate the strong interdependency between plate deformation and vortex dynamics, as well as the effect of Reynolds number on both.     

Fluid structure interaction of cantilever micro and nanotubes conveying magnetic fluid with small size effects under a transverse magnetic field

Micro and nanotubes have found major application in fluidic systems as channels for conveying fluid. In some micro and nanofluidic applications such as drug delivery, a transverse magnetic field can be used to guide the fluid flow by generating an axial force in the flow direction. An important issue in the design of micro and nanofluidic systems is the structural vibration caused by the fluid flow. In the current study, we investigate the effect of transverse magnetic field on the vibration of cantilever micro and nanotubes conveying fluid by considering the small size effects. We couple the nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam model with Navier–Stokes theory to determine a fluid structure interaction (FSI) model for the vibration analysis of the system. We modify the FSI governing equation by driving a velocity correction factor to consider the effect of transverse magnetic field on the fluid flow’s pattern through the tube. Then, we use the Galerkin’s method to obtain the frequency diagrams for the instability analysis of the system. We show that the transverse magnetic field can have a substantial effect on the dynamics of tube conveying fluid by increasing the system’s natural frequencies and critical flow velocity which contributes to the flutter instability. We also discover that although the transverse magnetic field plays a crucial role on dynamics of microstructures, its effect on the dynamics of nanotubes is not significant and can be ignored.     

Experimental study of the response of a flexible plate to a harmonic forcing in a flow

Most aquatic animals propel themselves by flapping flexible appendages. To gain insight into the effect of flexibility on the swimming performance, we have studied experimentally an idealized system. It consists of a flexible plate whose leading edge is forced into a harmonic heave motion, and which is immersed in a uniform flow. As the forcing frequency is gradually increased, resonance peaks are evidenced on the plate's response. In addition to the forcing frequency, the Reynolds number, the plate rigidity and the forcing amplitude have also been varied. In the range of parameters studied, the main effect on the resonance is due to the forcing amplitude, which reveals that non-linearities are essential in this problem.     

Resonance-like phenomena in a submerged cylindrical shell subjected to two consecutive shock waves: The effect of the inner fluid

A submerged fluid-filled cylindrical shell subjected to a sequence of two shock waves originated at the same source is considered. It is demonstrated that, unlike in the case of a submerged evacuated shell, there exists a certain critical range of the values of the delay between the incident wavefronts where both the peak compressive and the peak tensile stress observed in the structure are significantly (60% or more) higher than the respective stresses in the same system subjected to a single-front loading. It is further demonstrated that the highest and the lowest hydrodynamic pressure attained in the system is also dramatically affected for certain values of the delay between the incident wavefronts, with the maximum double-front pressure being more than 30% higher than its single-front counterpart. The practical relevance of the findings is discussed in the context of the pre-design analysis of industrial systems subjected to shock loading.     

Onset of instability of a flag in uniform flow

This paper numerically and analytically studies the onset of instability of a flag in uniform flow. The three-dimensional (3D) simulation is performed by using an immersed-boundary method coupled with a nonlinear finite element method. The global stability, bistability and instability are identified in the 3D simulations. The Squire's theorem is extended to analyze the stability of the fluid-flag system with 3D initial perturbations. It is found that if a parallel flow around the flag admits an unstable 3D disturbance for a certain value of the flutter speed, then a two-dimensional (2D) disturbance at a lower flutter speed is also admitted. In addition, the growth rate of 2D disturbance is larger than that of the 3D disturbance.