A numerical model of the Weis-Fogh mechanism with a separation vortex (Q1912968)

The influence of leading-edge separation vortices on the Weis-Fogh mechanism for insect hovering is investigated under the flow upstream. The problem is studied by use of a single-vortex model. The corresponding equation for the point vortex is derived. On the base of this equation with corresponding initial condition, it is confirmed that the opening angle \(90^\circ\) is a removable singular point for the equation of motion and an asymptotic formula is given for this case. The numerical results compare reasonably well with observations on a laboratory model at high Reynolds number by \textit{G. R. Spedding} and \textit{T. Maxworthy} [J. Fluid Mech. 165, 247ff. (1986)], and numerical results show that the vortex separation significantly enhances the circulation on each of the wings. It is found that the circulation depending on the history of the motion, increases with a large opening angle and decreases with a large velocity of the flow far upstream. The conclusions of this paper are helpful for designing new ship propulsive mechanism.