Computational Simulation of Wave Generation in Flexible Structures using Piezoelectric Actuators for Flow Control*

Simulating traveling waves in flexible structures generated by piezoelectric actuators is key to integrating them into airfoil systems for flow control. Traveling waves have been shown to delay stall. Deformations from actuators in experiments are imperfect traveling waves due to the material properties, actuation parameters, and fluid-structure-actuator interactions. Therefore, we develop a computational framework that accounts for these variables to compute accurate deformations rather than prescribing ideal traveling wave deformations. This study proposes a framework to solve deformations induced by the actuators over flexible materials interacting with fluid. The framework will solve the coupled actuator and fluid equations. It models the actuators as point moments along the beam’s length. Deformations of the flexible structure are modeled using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Comparing simulated and analytical results shows high accuracy, revealing the framework’s ability to predict piezoelectrically actuated beam behavior. Experimental validations will refine the framework, ensuring simulated wave patterns closely match observed behavior.