MME Seminar: Experimental Study of Aerodynamic Behavior of a Flapping Membrane
About the event
Presented by
Dr. Vibhav Durgesh, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Idaho
Abstract
Fluid-membrane interaction (FMI) problems involve the interaction of flexible bodies or membranes like flexible airfoils, parachutes, and sails, with fluid flows. A detailed understanding of the flow dynamics and membrane behavior is critical to resolving FMI problems and developing a better understanding of flexible airfoil aerodynamics. The objective of the current study was to quantify the impact of critical dimensionless parameters (Re, aspect ratio, dimensionless rigidity) on velocity flow field, vortex shedding, surface pressure distribution, aerodynamic behavior, and membrane response, for a canonical rectangular flexible membrane. The experiments for this investigation were performed in a jet facility designed in house. The flow field was measured using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and aerodynamic loads were measured using high precision force/torque transducers. The results from this investigation showed a strong correlation between flow behavior and membrane aerodynamics.
