Application of an overset grid method for the performance analysis of flapping airfoils

Abstract With the growing importance of renewable energy, interest in energy-harvesting technologies based on flow-induced vibrations airfoils has been rekindled past few years. Compared to conventional turbines, these devices are centrifugal stress-free and hence they structurally more robust. They also environmentally friendly due relatively low speeds, thus reducing impact flying animals. In order numerically investigate types devices, mesh motion techniques must be used so that computational grid can adapt time-varying shape domain boundaries, preserving its robustness quality. During last years, many different dynamic approaches have developed better predict behaviour a flow interacting with solid moving bodies. The aim present work is apply validate overset method offered by OpenFOAM software. this type mesh, one or blocks allowed overlap other sets cells solve fluid bodies, showing potential advantages compared existing approaches. first part work, numerical investigation over stationary SD 7003 airfoil at Reynolds number performed using an unsteady RANS approach. computed results then experimental high-fidelity data available from literature presented model terms configuration, refinement, turbulence modelling. Subsequently, simulations NACA 0012 for two amplitudes flapping motion, i.e., 30° 45°. Finally, obtained solver benchmarks Kurtulus, excellent agreement both measured data.