Numerical simulations of torsional flutter oscillations of a bluff body: Energy issues, GraSMech poster session

The possibility of harvesting energy from aeroelastic phenomena is assessed through numerical simulations. The unsteady aerodynamics around an aeroelastic structure are modeled using the Discrete Vortex Method (DVM). The Torsional Flutter oscillations of a rectangular cylinder are studied in this work. The phenomenon is characterized by Limit Cycle Oscillations (LCOs) around the pitch axis of the rectangle. The complete bifurcation behaviour is investigated numerically and compared to wind tunnel measurements for validation. The energy issues are investigated in terms of the sensibility of the energy output to variations in the structural damping.