Surface morphing for aerodynamic flows at low and stalled angles of attack
Ernold Thompson, Andres Goza
Abstract
Due to advances in materials science, surface-driven actuation is an increasingly promising strategy for altering aerodynamic flows to improve aerodynamic performance. There are questions about how it can be used for aerodynamic flow control. We numerically study the effect of traveling-wave surface morphing actuation on an airfoil at low Reynolds number (Re). For the flow considered, we discuss the interaction between actuation and the vortex formation process and the resulting variation in temporal and time-averaged lift. The relation between surface kinematics and flow features found could be extended to other vortex dominated flows at comparable as well as higher Re.
Topics & Concepts
AirfoilAerodynamicsMorphingVortexLift (data mining)Reynolds numberAerospace engineeringLift coefficientMechanicsAngle of attackFlow (mathematics)KinematicsFlow control (data)Computer sciencePhysicsEngineeringClassical mechanicsComputer visionTurbulenceData miningComputer networkFluid Dynamics and Turbulent FlowsPlasma and Flow Control in AerodynamicsBiomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms