Hydrodynamic interactions in tandem flapping wing systems
Abstract
We review recent studies on the hydrodynamic interactions in tandem flapping wing systems, with a focus on the interplay between vortex dynamics and structural flexibility. We examine configurations including rigid wings with prescribed motion, spanwise-flexible wings, and chordwise-flexible wings. For rigid wings, three-dimensional effects are shown to reduce thrust, but they can be mitigated through aspect ratio tuning. Flexibility introduces fluid-structure resonance phenomena that enhance aerodynamic performance. In tandem systems, performance optimization requires careful coordination: forewings benefit from resonance, while hindwings perform best with slightly stiffer configurations to effectively capture upstream wake structures. Finally, in systems of self-propelled flexible flappers, hydrodynamic interactions give rise to coordinated motion and energy savings through flow-mediated feedback.
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BibTeX
@article{flores2026hydrodynamic,
title = {{Hydrodynamic interactions in tandem flapping wing systems}},
author = {Oscar Flores and Manuel García-Villalba},
journal = {Physical Review Fluids},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1103/1ry9-t1rt},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05781403v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Hydrodynamic interactions in tandem flapping wing systems
AU - Oscar Flores
AU - Manuel García-Villalba
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/06
JO - Physical Review Fluids
DO - 10.1103/1ry9-t1rt
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05781403v1
AB - We review recent studies on the hydrodynamic interactions in tandem flapping wing systems, with a focus on the interplay between vortex dynamics and structural flexibility. We examine configurations including rigid wings with prescribed motion, spanwise-flexible wings, and chordwise-flexible wings. For rigid wings, three-dimensional effects are shown to reduce thrust, but they can be mitigated through aspect ratio tuning. Flexibility introduces fluid-structure resonance phenomena that enhance aerodynamic performance. In tandem systems, performance optimization requires careful coordination: forewings benefit from resonance, while hindwings perform best with slightly stiffer configurations to effectively capture upstream wake structures. Finally, in systems of self-propelled flexible flappers, hydrodynamic interactions give rise to coordinated motion and energy savings through flow-mediated feedback.
SN - 2469-990X
ER -