Passive Control of Flow-Induced Vibration of Hydrofoils

Start year: 2025

Summary: Hydrofoils are integral components in numerous maritime applications, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and maneuverability of vessels and underwater vehicles. As hydrofoils navigate through water, they are susceptible to a complex phenomenon known as flow-induced vibrations. These vibrations result from the interaction between the hydrofoil and the surrounding fluid flow and can have adverse effects on both the hydrofoil and the systems it operates within. These effects include structural fatigue, reduced operational efficiency, and in some cases, safety concerns. Thus, the effective control and mitigation of flow-induced vibrations are paramount in ensuring the reliable and efficient performance of hydrofoils. Passive vibration control refers to a set of techniques and strategies used to mitigate or reduce unwanted vibrations and oscillations in mechanical and structural systems without the need for active energy input. Piezoelectric (PZT) materials have been widely used as sensors and actuators for controlling structural vibration, and in many cases are preferred over other damping treatment methods because of their ideal properties: lightweight and compactness, fast response in energy conversion, and easy integration to the host structure. This project will extend their work to control the vibration of a realistic hydrofoil. Through a combination of experimental work, numerical simulations, and practical case studies, this research seeks to advance our understanding of the control of flow-induced vibrations of hydrofoils and provide valuable recommendations for the implementation of this technology in hydrofoil design and operation.