Numerical simulation and control of a fluid structure interaction for a plate in a transverse flow

Abstract

The control of a moving structure in an unbounded flow has numerous applications in engineering, such as the aileron on an airplane. Here an approach is proposed where a CFD method is coupled with a controller to provide a qualitative flow model, and a tool for the development and the validation of the control scheme. A rotating rigid flat plate in transverse flow is considered. For the CFD, a discrete vortex method is used due to its relevance for separated flows, which implies approximating the flat plate by a thin ellipse. The simulation for a fixed plate has been completed with a plate approximated by a 20:1 ellipse and placed in an inviscid flow. A comparison with an image method is also undertaken. The results show encouraging features for modelling the vortex street, but also problems in the transient behaviour of the flow. The control method is based on fuzzy logic, and has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to the nonlinear nature of the force generated by the flow/structure system. Comparison is made with more classical schemes such as a controller based on optimal control theory using an intermediary flow/structure model, similar to a gain scheduling model, instead of the full simulation.

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