Computation of unsteady interaction between viscous flows and flexible structure with finite inertia

Continuing our effort towards developing a computational capability for handling interaction between viscous flows and flexible solid structure, the effect of inertia on the dynamics of a flexible membrane is studied. Both laminar and turbulent unsteady flow fields are investigated by directly coupling membrane structure dynamics with fluid dynamics where the fluid/structure interface is handled by a moving grid technique. The turbulent simulations are made using the k-ω turbulence model proposed by Menter. Appropriate dimensionless parameters, characterizing the problem, are employed to account for the fluid flow and membrane characteristics. The results show significant differences in the membrane configuration, fluid behavior and aeroelastic response between the finite inertia membrane and the massless membrane. Implications in aerodynamic performance due to such fluid flow and flexible structure interactions are discussed in terms of change in the lift/drag ratio.