Fluid flow in the vicinity of a vibrating ionic polymer metal composites - Part 2: Numerical study

Karl Abdelnour, Elisa Mancia, Sean D. Peterson, Maurizio Porfiri

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuators have shown promise as miniature underwater propulsors due to their high flexibility, reduced weight, and low activation voltage and power consumption. In this second of two papers, we discuss numerical simulations of the flow of a viscous fluid generated by a two-dimensional cantilever IPMC actuator vibrating along its fundamental mode shape. We compute the thrust produced by the actuator as a function of its oscillation frequency and maximum tip displacement and show that it is correlated to vortex shedding. We find that vorticity production is prominent at the IPMC tip and increases as the oscillation frequency increases. We analyze the lateral force and the moment exerted by the IPMC on the surrounding fluid. Further, we study the power transferred by the vibrating IPMC to the encompassing fluid. The findings are validated via comparison with the experimental results presented in part 1 of this series.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference 2009, DSCC2009
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Pages453-460
Number of pages8
EditionPART A
ISBN (Print)9780791848920
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event2009 ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference, DSCC2009 - Hollywood, CA, United States
Duration: Oct 12 2009Oct 14 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference 2009, DSCC2009
NumberPART A

Other

Other2009 ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Conference, DSCC2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHollywood, CA
Period10/12/0910/14/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fluid flow in the vicinity of a vibrating ionic polymer metal composites - Part 2: Numerical study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this