Mechanics of a cylindrical flexible web floating over an air-reverser
Abstract
The mechanics of the fluid/structure interaction between a thin flexible web, wrapped around a cylindrical drum (reverser), and the air cushion formed by external pressurization through the holes of this drum is analyzed. The web deflections are modeled by a cylindrical shell theory that allows moderately large deflections. The airflow is modeled in two-dimensions with a modified form of the Navier-Stokes and mass balance equations, with non-linear source terms. The coupled fluid/structure system is solved numerically. The mechanics of the interaction between the web deflections and the air cushion generated by the reverser is explained. The effects of the problem parameters on the overall equilibrium are presented.
Citation
Muftu, S., & Cole, K. A. (1999, June). Mechanics of a cylindrical flexible web floating over an air-reverser. Paper presented at the Fifth International Conference on Web Handling (IWEB), Stillwater, OK.