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Maximizing the efficiency of a flexible propulsor using experimental optimization

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2015

Daniel B. Quinn ,
George V. Lauder  and
Alexander J. Smits
Daniel B. Quinn*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
George V. Lauder
Affiliation:
Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Alexander J. Smits
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
*
†Email address for correspondence: danielq@princeton.edu
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Abstract

Experimental gradient-based optimization is used to maximize the propulsive efficiency of a heaving and pitching flexible panel. Optimum and near-optimum conditions are studied via direct force measurements and particle image velocimetry (PIV). The net thrust and power scale predictably with the frequency and amplitude of the leading edge, but the efficiency shows a complex multimodal response. Optimum pitch and heave motions are found to produce nearly twice the efficiencies of optimum heave-only motions. Efficiency is globally optimized when (i) the Strouhal number is within an optimal range that varies weakly with amplitude and boundary conditions; (ii) the panel is actuated at a resonant frequency of the fluid–panel system; (iii) heave amplitude is tuned such that trailing-edge amplitude is maximized while the flow along the body remains attached; and (iv) the maximum pitch angle and phase lag are chosen so that the effective angle of attack is minimized. The multi-dimensionality and multi-modality of the efficiency response demonstrate that experimental optimization is well-suited for the design of flexible underwater propulsors.

JFM classification

Biological Fluid Dynamics: Propulsion Biological Fluid Dynamics: Swimming/flying
Type
Papers
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 767 , 25 March 2015 , pp. 430 - 448
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Copyright
© 2015 Cambridge University Press 

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