Large deformation of chiral rods and ribbons subjected to wind

Abstract eng:
In the present work, we seek to understand the reconfiguration of plants with a chiral morphology by experimental and theoretical modeling of the large deformation of flexible chiral rods under wind. Test specimens are made of ABS plastic and polyurethane foam reinforced with nylon fibers. Wind tunnel tests are performed to evaluate the effect of chirality on flow-induced reconfiguration. A theoretical model is developed by coupling the Kirchhoff rod theory with a semi-empirical formulation for aerodynamic loading evaluation. A range of geometrical and material properties and flow velocity is studied in the experimental and theoretical model. It is shown that chirality reduces the effect of the loading direction on deformation.

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