RT Journal Article
T1 Propulsion enhancement of flexible plunging foils: Comparing linear theory predictions with high-fidelity CFD results
A1 Sanmiguel-Rojas, Enrique
A1 Fernández-Feria, Ramón
K1 Propulsión
AB The fluid–structure interaction of a flexible plunging hydrofoil immersed in a current is solved numerically toanalyze its propulsion enhancement due to flexibility at Reynolds number 10 000. After validating with availableexperimental data, the code is used to assess analytical predictions from a linear theory. We consider largestiffness ratios, with high thrust enhancement by flexibility, and small mass ratios appropriate for underwaterpropulsion. The maximum thrust enhancement is observed at the first natural frequency, accurately predictedby the linear theory algebraically. The magnitude of the maximum thrust is over-predicted by the theory as theflapping amplitude increases. For large Strouhal numbers the flow becomes aperiodic, which for large enoughamplitudes happens at frequencies below the natural frequency. But even at these Strouhal numbers, the lineartheory predicts quite well the frequency of maximum thrust enhancement and optimal propulsive efficiency.We conclude that the linear theory constitutes a reliable and useful guide for the design of underwater flexibleflapping-foil thrusters, and we provide a practical chart to easily select the optimal flapping frequency as afunction of the actuation point, the stiffness and the mass ratios of the hydrofoil.
PB Elsevier
YR 2021
FD 2021-09-01
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/23966
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/23966
LA eng
NO Sanmiguel-Rojas, Enrique ; Fernández-Feria, Ramón.Propulsion enhancement of flexible plunging foils: Comparing linear theory predictions with high-fidelity CFD results. Ocean Engineering Volume 235, 1 September 2021, 109331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2021.109331
NO This research has been supported by the Junta de Andalucía, Spain (Grants UMA18-FEDER-JA-047 and P18-FR-1532), and by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación of Spain (Grant PID2019-104938RB-I00). Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBUA. The computations were performed in the Picasso Supercomputer at the University of Málaga, a node of the Spanish Supercomputing Network.
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 20 ene 2026