Adjoint-based optimization of flapping plates hinged with a trailing-edge flap. Issue 1 (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Min; Wei, Mingjun; Li, Chengyu; Dong, Haibo
• Is Part Of: Theoretical & applied mechanics letters. Volume 5:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: Flapping wing -- Trailing-edge flap -- Adjoint-based optimization; Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Mechanics, Analytic -- Periodicals; Mechanics, Analytic; Mechanics, Applied; Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.taml.2014.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2095-0349

Abstract

Abstract: It is important to understand the impact of wing-morphing on aerodynamic performance in the study of flapping-wing flight of birds and insects. We use a flapping plate hinged with a trailing-edge flap as a simplified model for flexible/morphing wings in hovering. The trailing-edge flapping motion is optimized by an adjoint-based approach. The optimized configuration suggests that the trailing-edge flap can substantially enhance the overall lift. Further analysis indicates that the lift enhancement by the trailing-edge flapping is from the change of circulation in two ways: the local circulation change by the rotational motion of the flap, and the modification of vortex shedding process by the relative location between the trailing-edge flap and leading-edge main plate.