Mode coupling and flow energy harvesting by a flapping foil
Open Access
- 1 March 2009
- journal article
- Published by AIP Publishing in Physics of Fluids
- Vol. 21 (3), 033601
- https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3092484
Abstract
As demonstrated in recent studies, the bioinspired flapping foils are capable of harvesting kinetic energy from incoming wind or current. A practical measure to achieve this is via the coupling between different modes in a system with multiple degrees of freedom. A typical scenario includes external activation of one motion mode and extracting the mechanical energy from other modes that follow. In this study we create a numerical model based upon the Navier–Stokes equations to investigate the performance of such a system in low Reynolds numbers. The effects of both the mechanical design and the operational parameters are examined. Specifically, we concentrate on the vorticity control mechanisms involved in the process, and demonstrate that through vortex-body interactions energy of the leading-edge vortices can be partially recovered to enhance the energy harvesting capacity.Keywords
This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit:
- Propulsion performance of a skeleton-strengthened finJournal Of Experimental Biology, 2008
- Passive locomotion of a simple articulated fish-like system in the wake of an obstacleJournal of Fluid Mechanics, 2008
- Modeling the capacity of a novel flow-energy harvesterApplied Mathematical Modelling, 2008
- Multiobjective Design Study of a Flapping Wing Power GeneratorJournal of Fluids Engineering, 2008
- Flapping dynamics of a flag in a uniform streamJournal of Fluid Mechanics, 2007
- Propulsive efficiency of oscillating foilsEuropean Journal of Mechanics - B/Fluids, 2004
- FLOW-INDUCED VIBRATION OF A CIRCULAR CYLINDER AT LIMITING STRUCTURAL PARAMETERSJournal of Fluids and Structures, 2001
- Vortex shedding and frequency selection in flapping flightJournal of Fluid Mechanics, 2000
- Propulsion of a foil moving in water waves.Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 1988
- Wingmill: An Oscillating-Wing WindmillJournal of Energy, 1981