The flow field generated by a moving foil which mimics a fish tail during a fast-start maneuver is investigated by means of numerical experiments. The numerical simulations have some advantages with respect to laboratory experiments. Indeed, having access to the velocity and pressure fields both in space and in time, it is possible to 'measure' quantities like vorticity, forces and torques which are quite difficult to obtain in laboratory. Moreover, data can be easily gained for different foil kinematics. The obtained results show that the time history of the propulsive force strongly depends on the kinematics of the foil. Moreover, the numerical simulations have allowed to identify the values of the parameters providing optimal propulsive performances and to understand the mechanism originating a positive thrust.
Numerical experiments on the transient motions of a flapping foil
BLONDEAUX, PAOLO
2009-01-01
Abstract
The flow field generated by a moving foil which mimics a fish tail during a fast-start maneuver is investigated by means of numerical experiments. The numerical simulations have some advantages with respect to laboratory experiments. Indeed, having access to the velocity and pressure fields both in space and in time, it is possible to 'measure' quantities like vorticity, forces and torques which are quite difficult to obtain in laboratory. Moreover, data can be easily gained for different foil kinematics. The obtained results show that the time history of the propulsive force strongly depends on the kinematics of the foil. Moreover, the numerical simulations have allowed to identify the values of the parameters providing optimal propulsive performances and to understand the mechanism originating a positive thrust.
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