Mode transition mechanisms in semi-passive flapping-wing propulsion or energy extraction

Abstract

To facilitate the smooth transition of operational modes in self-sustaining micro-thrusters, this study focuses on a device employing semi-passive flapping wings. Transient numerical methods are used to analyze the variation of flap energy acquisition and propulsion characteristics with pitching frequency, and the relationship between the dominant vortex structure and the force characteristics is analyzed by using the integral momentum theorem and the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method. The results indicate that, under the investigated operational conditions, with an increase in the pitching frequency, distinct wake evolution characteristics were observed. In the energy harvesting operational regime, the wake patterns manifest as 2P + mS, 2S + mS, and mS types. During the transitional phase from energy harvesting to propulsion, the wake patterns shift from 2S + mS to 2S transitional types, eventually leading to the manifestation of a reverse Karman vortex street (2S RBVK). In the propulsion operational regime, the wake patterns consist of a reverse Karman vortex street and asymmetric reverse Karman vortex street phenomena. Simultaneously, it was observed that the transition of flapping-wing performance from energy harvesting to propulsion conditions delays behind the transformation of vortex street structures. This delay is attributed to the necessity for the flapping-wing device to overcome its own resistance before generating a net effective propulsive force. The contributions of unsteady wake to thrust primarily encompass vortex thrust, thrust due to localized fluid acceleration, induced momentum force, and induced pressure force. As the pitching frequency increases, the influence of wake vortices on propulsion also intensifies. The contribution of wake vortices to flapping-wing propulsion is determined by the spatial distribution of Lamb vectors and localized fluid accelerations. The conclusions drawn from the dynamic modal analysis and reconstructed flow field analysis of wake vortices align with the findings of the investigation of wake vortices based on the integral momentum theorem.