3d fluid–structure interaction simulation with an Arbitrary–Lagrangian–Eulerian approach with applications to flying objects

Abstract

Air-structure interaction is a key aspect to account for during the design of Micro Air Vehicles. In this context, modelisation and numerical simulations represent a powerful tool to analyse aerodynamic performances. This work proposes an advanced fluid–structure interaction numerical technique for the simulation of dragonfly wings, considered one of the most interesting model due to their complex flapping kinematic. The fluid subproblem, described by incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, is solved in a Finite Element Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian framework, while the solid subproblem is addressed using structural Finite Element, such as membranes and beams. Moreover, a novel remeshing algorithm based on connectivity manipulation and refinement procedure has been implemented to reduce element distortion in fluid mesh, thus increasing the accuracy of the fluid solution. Firstly, the deformation of a single hindwing has been studied. Secondly, the dragonfly model is enriched by incorporating the forewing and a simplified thorax geometry. Preliminary results highlight the complex dynamic of the fluid around the body as well as the efficiency of the proposed mesh generation algorithm.