Computation of Flapping-Wing Fluid–Structure Interaction

Date
2016-04-25
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Abstract

This thesis is on computational fluid–structure interaction (FSI) analysis of bioinspired wing flapping, based on an actual locust in wind tunnel. The wing motion is partially prescribed from high-speed video recordings of the locust. The computational analysis is performed with the Sequentially Coupled FSI (SCFSI) method as well as (full) FSI modeling. The thesis features using the Space–Time Slip Interface (ST-SI) technique to address the computational challenge created by near topology changes. Furthermore, we explore the possibility of using in the analysis the ST Isogeometric Analysis (ST-IGA) with NURBS basis functions in space. We start that exploration by conducting a developed-flow computation for the starting positions of the wings. The work provides a valuable way in studying insects of different species with flapping wings, and in understanding the aerodynamic performance of different bioinspired aerial vehicles. The core computational technology is the ST Variational Multiscale (ST-VMS) method, which is a moving-mesh method that allows us maintain mesh quality and resolution near fluid–structure interfaces and offers accurate solutions in both space and time. In addition, techniques including ST-SI method, ST-IGA method and mesh-moving based on elasticity equations (JBS), are employed in the computation.

Description
Degree
Master of Science
Type
Thesis
Keywords
FSI, wing flapping, near topology changes, Space–Time Slip Interface method, ST-SI, Space–Time Variational Multiscale method, ST-VMS
Citation

Zhang, Ruochun. "Computation of Flapping-Wing Fluid–Structure Interaction." (2016) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/96611.

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