Hopf bifurcation in viscous, low-speed flows about an airfoil with structural coupling (Q1327266)

Time-dependent flows with very low Reynolds numbers \((R<2000)\) have been investigated. A semi-implicit first order accurate time integration algorithm is employed to solve the stream function-vorticity form of the Navier-Stokes equations. The algorithm is modified to include simple structural elements affixed to the airfoil. The structural model allows motion with two degrees of freedom. Numerical experiments are undertaken to determine the effect on the critical Reynolds number, at which the flow becomes unsteady. The variation of the Strouhal number with the computational domain size is explored. In addition, the structure of the Hopf bifurcation is investigated, with emphasis on the impact of the structural model.