Numerical Investigation of Finite Aspect-Ratio Flapping Foils
Abstract
Most wings and fins found in nature tend to be of low aspect-ratio. However, despite this preponderence of low aspect-ratio foils in nature, most experimental and numerical studies in this area of bio-hydrodynamics have focussed on examining infinite aspect-ratio flapping foils. Here we have used numerical simulations to investigate the flow associated with finite aspect-ratio foils. Particular focus of the study is on examining the effect of aspect-ratio on the thrust chracteristics and the wake topology of the foil. The simulations employ a newly developed Cartesian grid method which allows us to simulate flows with complex three-dimensional bodies on fixed Cartesian grids. The simulations indicate that the wake topology of these relatively low aspect-ratio foils is significantly different from that observed for infinite-aspect-ratio foils. The simulations also allow us to assess the advantage/disadvantage that the lower aspect ratio might confer on the performance of a flapping foil. Results from this study will be presented.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003APS..DFD.AE004M