One-way fluid-structure interaction analysis of oar blade designs: evaluating hydrodynamic performance and structural flexibility

Rowing propulsion relies on complex interactions between the paddle blade and the water, where blade design is crucial in determining efficiency and performance. During the stroke, the oar blade interacts with the water and undergoes structural deformation under hydrodynamic forces. In an actual situation, hydraulic forces and structural responses occur simultaneously, requiring FSI for study and evaluation. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) characteristics of three widely used paddle blades, Macon, Big, and Fat blade, using a one-way FSI approach. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to analyse the fluid flow and pressure distribution around the blade, while Finite Element Analysis (FEA) evaluated the structural deformation under hydrodynamic forces. Results revealed the Macon blade produced the lowest propulsive force of 326N at 90º blade position. The Big and Fat blade showed a force increase at 36% and 52%, respectively, compared to the Macon blade. In terms of structure, the Macon blade experienced tip deflection of 46.7mm, and the Big and Fat blade experienced bending with displacements of 11.5mm and 13.6mm, respectively, combined with twisting due to the rotational structure. The flexible blades, such as the Macon, offer smoother transitions and enhanced energy absorption. These findings underscore the importance of balancing blade stiffness, design, and hydrodynamic aspects to enhance rowing performance, offering valuable insights into optimizing paddle blade design