Optimizing fluid–structure interaction dynamic characteristic of flexible webbed wings in wave glider under super-elastic deformation

Wave glider with webbed wings (WGWW) is an innovative unmanned surface vehicle, powered by wave energy and solar energy. Its energy supply conundrum has been thoroughly resolved by “exploiting local resources” and can achieve long-term and large-scale ocean data acquisition for its outstanding endurance. Flexible webbed wings (FWWs) are crucial constituents of WGWW, transforming wave energy into driving force through fluid–structure interaction (FSI) under their hyper-elastic deformation. It is of great significance to analyze the influence of FWW material parameters on their driving force to improve the wave energy conversion efficiency of WGWW. In this paper, the numerical simulation model of the fluid–structure interaction of FWWs is first established, based on the bidirectional FSI theory. Moreover, the overset method and dynamic mesh technology are introduced to solve the problems of large deformation and easy divergence in the thin plate structure of FWWs. The optimization analysis of the FSI dynamic performance of FWWs under different material parameters are accomplished, including the different materials, surface hardness, and shape size. Finally, a principle prototype of WGWW equipped with inertial navigation sensor is built and a wave tank experiment is carried out. The elastic deformation and driving force generation of FWWs are analyzed, and the feasibility of WGWW driven by FWW is verified. The relevant results provide scientific basis and reference for the material selection and optimal design of FWWs and have important significance for improving the dynamic performance of WGWW.