Events Calendar

Fluid-Structure Interactions: From Flow-Induced Vibrations to Bio-Inspired Propulsion

Speaker: Francisco Huera-Huarte, Visiting Associate in Aerospace at Caltech; Department of Mechanical Engineering Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Tarragona, Spain

Talk Title: Fluid-Structure Interactions: From Flow-Induced Vibrations to Bio-Inspired Propulsion

Abstract: Francisco Huera-Huarte will be showing some examples of very recent work carried out in his lab, related to glow-induced vibration and bio-inspired propulsion.
Since the 70's there has been an increased interest in the dynamics of offshore structures because of the recent highly demanding industrial applications such as those found in offshore wind energy or in oil exploration and extraction. Part of Huera-Huarte's work deals with the description of the structural and fluid dynamics of highly flexible structures when affected by currents. These flexible structures vibrate at different structural modes as a consequence of very complex fluid-structure interaction phenomena. He will be showing recent experimental work carried out in order to describe the near wake of one of these structures when affected by a current.
The other topic Huera-Huarte will consider is related to bio-inspired propulsion systems. Aquatic locomotion in fish is characterized by complex kinematics, governed not only by passive bony or cartilaginous structures, but also by active ones and tissue such as muscles. There has been a wide interest in the recent years regarding the understanding of the role of stiffness in flapping propulsion because of the implications of this topic, especially in all related to the design of underwater robotic systems. It is now evident that compliance and shape play an important role in propulsion. He will show some results obtained with flexible robotic fins (foils), and discuss the role of flexibility, the effect of the proximity of a wall in the swimming performance of a flexible foil, and ongoing work related to active control of fins to improve their overall thrust.

Host:

Location: Robert Glen Rapp Engineering Research Building (RRB) - Laufer Library

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Valerie Childress