Fluid dynamics: Low-reynolds number and bio-inspired flows: High fidelity simulations of electroactive membrane wings

Abstract

Numerical simulations of an electroactive membrane wing placed in a laminar incompressible flow are conducted within a multiphysics framework. The Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) problem is simulated for Electro Active Polymers (EAPs) whose shape and stiffness can be modified by applying an electric potential. Electrical characteristics are improved for a prestretched membrane but not the aerodynamic ones because the membrane becomes more stiff. As Maxwell stresses produce an in-plane relaxation they have been used in this work to compensate for the stresses generated by prestrain. Preliminary results show that applying a voltage to a prestretched membrane the camber increases and therefor..