Analysis of the fluid–structure coupling dynamic characteristics of flexible webbed wings under passive deformation

A wave glider with webbed wings (WGWWs) is a new type of unmanned surface robot that combines wave energy and solar energy as its energy supply, driven by flexible webbed wings (FWWs). Wave gliders with webbed wings are already playing an important role in marine science research. Flexible webbed wings are significant components of wave gliders with webbed wings that achieve the absorption and conversion of wave energy through bidirectional fluid–structure coupling with water flow. To address the issues of large deformations and nonconvergence under the strong coupling action of flexible webbed wings, a dynamic model of flexible webbed wings is first established on the basis of an analysis of the motion principle of a wave glider with webbed wings. The Mooney–Rivlin model was subsequently applied to describe the stress–strain relationship of a rubber hyperelastic material for flexible webbed wings. By adopting the overset method and dynamic mesh technology, employing the system coupling interface based on the data interaction platform of the ANSYS Workbench, as well as mechanical and fluid solvers, the transient dynamic characteristics of fluid–structure coupling of flexible webbed wings under different working conditions are obtained. Finally, by setting different sea conditions, the influences of wave height and period on the dynamic characteristics of flexible webbed wings are analyzed. The results indicate that the greater the wave height and the smaller the wave period are, the greater the power output of the flexible webbed wings is. Additionally, the influence of the wave height ratio period on the dynamic characteristics of flexible webbed wings is more pronounced.