Nonlinear dynamic responses of a perimeter-reinforced membrane wing in laminar flows

Abstract

Dynamic responses of a two-dimensional (2D) perimeter-reinforced (PR) membrane wing in laminar viscous flows are investigated numerically. The 2D Navier–Stokes equations and a one-dimensional nonlinear equation for membrane vibration are coupled to describe the flow-induced vibrations of the membrane wing in laminar flows. The modified characteristic-based split scheme, Galerkin finite element method, spring analogy technique and loosely coupled partitioned approach are employed, respectively, for the flow simulation, computation of the membrane response, mesh movement of the flow domain and fluid–structure interaction. The accuracy and stability of the proposed numerical method and corresponding codes are validated using a benchmark model of fluid–membrane interaction. Finally, the bifurcation characteristics of the membrane dynamic response and vortex structure near the membrane wing with respect to the angle of attack, Reynolds number, rigidity and pre-strain are analysed in detail. This paper could give people more information about the dynamic behaviours of the PR membrane wing in the laminar flow regime.