FSI Analysis of a Flexible Device Under VIV/Galloping Induced by Low Velocity Water Flow

Deformable devices capable of producing electricity in low velocity environments have been tested in air, with limited adaptation to water. Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations help in determining how a structure can be optimized to behave and produce vortices in a predictable way.

This project utilizes Archie-West to develop a device comprised of a bluff body and oscillator for nano-generation via deformation through vortex induced vibrations (VIV) such as Galloping. This requires the two-way coupled simulations between Ansys Mechanical and Fluent. This is meant to yield results that benefit from the three-dimensionality of the case with additional information through spanwise contours, isosurfaces, and frequency graphs. The balancing of the frequency, mass ratio, material stiffness, and damping of the device as a whole, is a key to reaching the galloping state of VIV. 3D FSI is especially useful since the device by design produces vortex shedding that, with the coupling to Ansys Mechanical, change the structural behaviour of the flexible device – information of which helps in determining the limits of the material outside the lab.

An important component of this concept is the utilization of FSI data for estimating power generation based on the nano generative selected, with piezoelectric being the most researched but there are other options to be explored further.

The aim of this project is to serve as an analytical baseline for future experiments at the prototype level. Comparative studies with literature and experimental results are to be carried out in the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory (KHL), cutting down time and resources on constructing a suitable prototype.

The prototype, with the selected materials and dimensions, can pave the route for this new way of tackling the ever-present necessity for an adaptable and reliable device that is capable of producing energy in low velocity water environments present in many places around the world.

For more information about the project contact Prof Qing Xiao, Professor of Naval Hydrodynamics & Director of Research at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.

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