An Experimental Study on Thrust by Two Oscillating Plates Arranged Side by Side in Water

Abstract

The mean thrust generated on flexible plates oscillating sinusoidally about the front end of plates arranged side by side has been investigated experimentally. Experiments were performed in water flowing at a constant speed and in both cases where the phase angle of two plates is 0° and 180°, the frequency of translation varies from 0.64 to 1.09 Hz and the amplitude of motion from 20° to 60°. Reynolds number based on the plate length is from 8.9×10³ to 1.2×10⁴. Flexible test plates are made of phosphor bronze and their dimensions are aspect ratios of 2:1, 3:1, 10:3 and 11:3 against widths of 30 mm and 60 mm. The thrust was measured by means of wire balances. The effect of four parameters, that is, frequency, flexibility, amplitude and phase angle, on thrust was examined.