• Journal of computational fluids engineering
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.41-46
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• 2010

In this paper, the fluid dynamic forces and performances of a moving airfoil in the low Reynolds number flow is addressed. In order to simulate the necessary propulsive force for the moving airfoil in a low Reynolds number flow, a lattice-Boltzmann method is used. The critical Reynolds and Strouhal numbers for the thrust generation are investigated for the four propulsion types. It was found that the Normal P&D type produces the largest thrust with the highest efficiency among the investigated types. The leading edge of the airfoil has an effect of deciding the force production types, whereas the trailing edge of the airfoil plays an important role in augmenting or reducing the instability produced by the leading edge oscillation. It is believed that present results can be used to decide the optimal propulsion types for the given Reynolds number flow.