Deployable Vortex Generators for Low Reynolds Numbers Applications Powered by Cephalopods Inspired Artificial Muscles

Rabiu Mamman; Parth Kotak; Thilina Weerakkody; Tatum Johnson; Austin Krebill; James Buchholz; Caterina Lamuta

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2023.108369

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Deployable Vortex Generators for Low Reynolds Numbers Applications Powered by Cephalopods Inspired Artificial Muscles

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Deployable Vortex Generators for Low Reynolds Numbers Applications Powered by Cephalopods Inspired Artificial Muscles

Rabiu Mamman, Parth Kotak, Thilina Weerakkody, Tatum Johnson, Austin Krebill, James Buchholz and Caterina Lamuta

iScience, Vol.26(12), 108369

12/2023

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108369

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Abstract

This paper proposes deployable vortex generators (VGs) powered by Twisted Spiral Artificial Muscles (TSAMs). TSAMs take inspiration from cephalopods’ papillae and can protrude out of plane upon electro-thermal actuation with an output strain of 2000% and an input voltage of 0.2 V/cm. Unlike passive VGs, designed for specific flow conditions, this technology can adjust to changes in flow conditions, by overcoming the limitations of existing active flow control devices in terms of portability and power requirements. Our technology can deploy different VGs configurations on demand, and match a desired target configuration, optimized for a specific flow condition. Experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel using a NASA Langley Research Center LS (1)-0417 GA(W)-1 airfoil. Stall delays and lift increase have been demonstrated for different flow conditions, with Reynolds numbers between 100,000 and 140,000. These findings are promising for enhancing efficiency in small unmanned aerial vehicles operating at low Reynolds numbers.

Details

Title: Subtitle: Deployable Vortex Generators for Low Reynolds Numbers Applications Powered by Cephalopods Inspired Artificial Muscles
Creators: Rabiu Mamman
Parth Kotak
Thilina Weerakkody
Tatum Johnson
Austin Krebill
James Buchholz
Caterina Lamuta
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: iScience, Vol.26(12), 108369
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108369
ISSN: 2589-0042
eISSN: 2589-0042
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100000006, name: Office of Naval Research, award: N00014-22-1-2021
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 11/2023
Date published: 12/2023
Academic Unit: Mechanical Engineering
Record Identifier: 9984507157002771

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