Characteristics of the Behavior of a Wheeled Cart with a Savonius Rotor

Dynamics of a wheeled cart driven by a Savonius rotor is studied. It is supposed that the cart is capable of moving along a fixed straight line without overturning or slipping. The behavior of the cart depending on the wind direction and magnitude is considered. It is shown that, depending on parameters of the system and wind direction, there can exist two attracting steady motions corresponding to motion in opposite directions. The area of applicability of the used model is assessed numerically. The effect of dependence of the aerodynamic forces and torque on rotor’s angle of revolution is discussed.