Date of Award

Fall 12-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Program

Engineering

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Major Professor

Chakravarty, Uttam

Second Advisor

Schilling, Paul

Third Advisor

Guillot, Martin

Abstract

This study describes a method for conducting the structural dynamic analysis of a crane fly (family Tipulidae) forewing under different airflow conditions. Wing geometry is captured via micro-computed tomography scanning. A finite element model of the forewing is developed from the reconstructed model of the scan. The finite element model is validated by comparing the natural frequencies of an elliptical membrane with similar dimensions of the crane fly forewing to its analytical solution. Furthermore, a simulation of the fluid-structure interaction of the forewing under different airflows is performed by coupling the finite element model of the wing with a computation fluid dynamics model. From the finite element model, the mode shapes and natural frequencies are investigated; similarly, from the fluid-structure interaction, the time-varying out-of-plane deformation, and the coefficients of drag and lift are determined.

Rights

The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.

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