Simulations of the Energy-Harvesting Eel
Abstract
We address the problem of coupled flow/structure interaction for the purpose of designing an energy-harvesting eel for underwater power extraction. We perform systematic simulations in order to explore the parameter space of bluff body/splitter plate configuration and splitter plate properties. At a more fundamental level, we investigate the lock-in mechanism of a flexible splitter plate placed in the wake of a bluff body. We will present results for flow past both a stationary and a pitching bluff body with a rigid and a flexible splitter plate placed downstream of the object. Variations in the pitching of the bluff body to attain maximum extractable power through large membrane deformation will be discussed. Work supported by DARPA/ONR
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001APS..DFD.BN004K