Reconfiguration of flexible plates in sheared flow

• Drag reconfiguration in simple elastics system, like beams or plates, is theoretically analyzed.
• Spatial variation in the incident flow is considered.
• There exist a strong dependence of the Vogel exponent with the incoming flow spatial characteristics.

In this communication, the influence of sheared incoming flow on the reconfiguration of flexible plates is investigated. To this end, a theoretical model based on equilibrium between fluid drag forces dependent on the deformed shape and height, and stiffness forces is presented. Through theoretical modeling a pronounced influence of shear rate on the reconfiguration factor and Vogel exponent is demonstrated, which may explain some of the discrepancies between experimental results and existing theories.