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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 1 September 2021

Vishal Raul and Leifur Leifsson

The purpose of this work is to investigate the similarity requirements for the application of multifidelity modeling (MFM) for the prediction of airfoil dynamic stall using…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to investigate the similarity requirements for the application of multifidelity modeling (MFM) for the prediction of airfoil dynamic stall using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Dynamic stall is modeled using the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and Menter's shear stress transport turbulence model. Multifidelity models are created by varying the spatial and temporal discretizations. The effectiveness of the MFM method depends on the similarity between the high- (HF) and low-fidelity (LF) models. Their similarity is tested by computing the prediction error with respect to the HF model evaluations. The proposed approach is demonstrated on three airfoil shapes under deep dynamic stall at a Mach number 0.1 and Reynolds number 135,000.

Findings

The results show that varying the trust-region (TR) radius (λ) significantly affects the prediction accuracy of the MFM. The HF and LF simulation models hold similarity within small (λ ≤ 0.12) to medium (0.12 ≤ λ ≤ 0.23) TR radii producing a prediction error less than 5%, whereas for large TR radii (0.23 ≤ λ ≤ 0.41), the similarity is strongly affected by the time discretization and minimally by the spatial discretization.

Originality/value

The findings of this work present new knowledge for the construction of accurate MFMs for dynamic stall performance prediction using LF model spatial- and temporal discretization setup and the TR radius size. The approach used in this work is general and can be used for other unsteady applications involving CFD-based MFM and optimization.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2010

Hamed Sadeghi, Mahmoud Mani and S.M. Hossein Karimian

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of the unsteady flow field in the wake of Eppler‐361 airfoil undergoing harmonic pitch oscillation in both…

1133

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of the unsteady flow field in the wake of Eppler‐361 airfoil undergoing harmonic pitch oscillation in both pre‐stall and post‐stall regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental measurements were carried out to study the characteristics of the unsteady flow field within the wake of an airfoil. All of the experiments were conducted in a low‐speed wind tunnel, and the velocity field was measured by a hot‐wire anemometry. The airfoil was given a harmonic pitching motion about its half chord axis at two reduced frequencies of 0.091 and 0.273. All experimental data were taken at the oscillation amplitude of 8°. During the experiments, the mean angle of attack was altered from 2.5 to 10° that this made it possible to study the wake in both pre‐stall and post‐stall regimes.

Findings

From the results, it can be concluded that different velocity profiles are formed in the wake at different phase angles. In addition, the hysteresis of the velocity field in the wake is captured between increasing and decreasing incidences. It is also found that the velocity field in the wake is strongly affected by the operating conditions of the airfoil, e.g. mean angle of attack, reduced frequency and instantaneous angle of attack. Huge variations in the profiles of the wake are observed at high instantaneous angles of attack when the mean angle of attack is 10°, i.e. when the airfoil experiences significant oscillations beyond the static stall. It is concluded that this is due to dynamic stall phenomenon.

Practical implications

Findings of the present study give valuable information, which can be used to characterize wakes of micro air vehicles, helicopter's rotor blades, and wind turbine blades. In addition to this, present findings can be used to predict dynamic stall of the above applications.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to investigate the unsteady wake of Eppler‐361 airfoil and to predict the dynamic stall phenomenon of this airfoil.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 82 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Yu Hu, Hailang Zhang and Gengqi Wang

This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms lying behind the cycloidal rotor under hovering status.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms lying behind the cycloidal rotor under hovering status.

Design/methodology/approach

Experiments were conducted to validate the numerical simulation results. The simulations were based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations solver and the sliding mesh technique was used to model the blade motion. 2D and 2.5D simulations were made to investigate the 3D effects of turbulence. The effects of pressure and viscosity were compared to study the significance of the blade motion on force generation.

Findings

The 2.5D numerical simulation cannot produce more accurate results than the 2D counterpart. The pitching motion of the blade results in dynamic stall. The dynamic stall vortices induce parallel blade vortex interaction (BVI) upon downstream blades. The interactions between the blades delay the stall of the blade which is beneficial to the thrust generation. The blade pitching motion is the dominant contributor to the force generation and the turbulence is the secondary. Strong downwash in the rotor cage varied the inflow velocity as well as the effective angle of attack (AOA) of the blade.

Practical implications

Cycloidal rotor is a propulsion device that can provide omni-directional vectored thrust with high efficiency and low noise. To understand the mechanisms lying behind the cycloidal rotor helps the authors to design efficient cycloidal rotors for aircraft.

Originality/value

The authors discovered that the blade pitching motion plays primary role in force generation. The effects of the dynamic stall and BVI were studied. The reason why cycloidal rotor can be more efficient was discussed.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2022

Surekha Rathi Samundi D. and Rajasekar R.

This study aims to investigate the wake behind an oscillating airfoil at a various angle of incidence and Reynolds number in a deep dynamic stall condition.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the wake behind an oscillating airfoil at a various angle of incidence and Reynolds number in a deep dynamic stall condition.

Design/methodology/approach

NACA 0012 airfoil is allowed to undergo harmonic pitching motion about the quarter chord axis at Reynolds numbers of 0.5 * 105, 1.17 * 105, 1.7 * 105 and 2.12 * 105, and the reduced frequency of 0.1. The experiments are conducted at a set of mean and amplitude angle of attack that covered the angle of incidence from −5° to 25°. The wake rake is placed at a distance of one chord from the trailing edge of the airfoil.

Findings

The hysteresis of the flow during the upstroke and the downstroke motion are captured. The huge growth in the velocity defect and the wake thickness beyond the angle of attack of 15° explicate the appearance of the strong unsteady effects on the wake. The results also show that at the reduced frequency of 0.1, the wake structure is of drag producing type due to the momentum deficit.

Originality/value

Streamwise velocity profile and the turbulent intensity profiles are presented to show the effects of Reynolds number and angle of incidence on the wake behind the oscillating airfoil at the reduced frequency of 0.1, and in the intermediate range of Reynolds number is the novelty of the study.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Kartik Venkatraman, Stéphane Moreau, Julien Christophe and Christophe Schram

The purpose of the paper is to predict the aerodynamic performance of a complete scale model H-Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with end plates at different operating…

1325

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to predict the aerodynamic performance of a complete scale model H-Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with end plates at different operating conditions. This paper aims at understanding the flow physics around a model VAWT for three different tip speed ratios corresponding to three different flow regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study achieves a first three-dimensional hybrid lattice Boltzmann method/very large eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) model for a complete scaled model VAWT with end plates and mast using the solver PowerFLOW. The power curve predicted from the numerical simulations is compared with the experimental data collected at Erlangen University. This study highlights the complexity of the turbulent flow features that are seen at three different operational regimes of the turbine using instantaneous flow structures, mean velocity, pressure iso-contours, blade loading and skin friction plots.

Findings

The power curve predicted using the LBM-VLES approach and setup provides a good overall match with the experimental power curve, with the peak and drop after the operational point being captured. Variable turbulent flow structures are seen over the azimuthal revolution that depends on the tip speed ratio (TSR). Significant dynamic stall structures are seen in the upwind phase and at the end of the downwind phase of rotation in the deep stall regime. Strong blade wake interactions and turbulent flow structures are seen inside the rotor at higher TSRs.

Research limitations/implications

The computational cost and time for such high-fidelity simulations using the LBM-VLES remains expensive. Each simulation requires around a week using supercomputing facilities. Further studies need to be performed to improve analytical VAWT models using inputs/calibration from high fidelity simulation databases. As a future work, the impact of turbulent and nonuniform inflow conditions that are more representative of a typical urban environment also needs to be investigated.

Practical implications

The LBM methodology is shown to be a reliable approach for VAWT power prediction. Dynamic stall and blade wake interactions reduce the aerodynamic performance of a VAWT. An ideal operation close to the peak of the power curve should be favored based on the local wind resource, as this point exhibits a smoother variation of forces improving operational performance. The 3D flow features also exhibit a significant wake asymmetry that could impact the optimal layout of VAWT clusters to increase their power density. The present work also highlights the importance of 3D simulations of the complete model including the support structures such as end plates and mast.

Social implications

Accurate predictions of power performance for Darrieus VAWTs could help in better siting of wind turbines thus improving return of investment and reducing levelized cost of energy. It could promote the development of onsite electricity generation, especially for industrial sites/urban areas and renew interest for VAWT wind farms.

Originality/value

A first high-fidelity simulation of a complete VAWT with end plates and supporting structures has been performed using the LBM approach and compared with experimental data. The 3D flow physics has been analyzed at different operating regimes of the turbine. These physical insights and prediction capabilities of this approach could be useful for commercial VAWT manufacturers.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2020

Mehran Masdari, Maryam Ghorbani and Arshia Tabrizian

The purpose of this paper is to analyze experimentally subsonic wake of a supercritical airfoil undergoing a pitch–hold–return motion. The focus of the investigation has been…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze experimentally subsonic wake of a supercritical airfoil undergoing a pitch–hold–return motion. The focus of the investigation has been narrowed to concentrate on the steadiness of the flow field in the wake of the airfoil and the role of reduced frequency, amplitude and the hold phase duration.

Design/methodology/approach

All experiments were conducted in a low sub-sonic closed-circuit wind tunnel, at a Reynolds number of approximately 600,000. The model was a supercritical airfoil having 10% thickness and wall-to-wall in ground test facilities. To calculate the velocity distribution in the wake of the airfoil, total and static pressures were recorded at a distance of one chord far from the trailing edge, using pressure devices. The reduced frequency was set at 0.012, 0.03 and the motion pivot was selected at c/4.

Findings

Analysis of the steadiness of the wake flow field ascertains that an increase in reduced frequency leads to further flow time lag in the hold phase whereas decreases the time that the wake remains steady after the start of the return portion. Also, the roles of amplitude and stall condition are examined.

Practical implications

Examination of a pitch–hold–return motion is substantial in assessment of aerodynamics of maneuvers with a rapid increase in angle of attack. Moreover, study of aerodynamic behavior of downstream flow field and its steadiness in the wake of the airfoil is vital in drag reduction and control of flapping wings, dynamic stability and control of aircrafts.

Originality/value

In the present study, to discuss the steadiness of the flow field behind the airfoil some statistical methods and concept of histogram using an automatic algorithm were used and a specific criterion to characterize the steadiness of flow field was achieved.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 April 2022

Jeena Joseph, Sathyabhama A. and Surya Sridhar

With aims to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of aerodynamic surfaces, study on flow control over these surfaces has gained importance. With the addition of flow control…

Abstract

Purpose

With aims to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of aerodynamic surfaces, study on flow control over these surfaces has gained importance. With the addition of flow control devices such as synthetic jets and vortex generators, the flow characteristics can be modified over the surface and, at the same time, enhance the performance of the body. One such flow control device is the tubercle. Inspired by the humpback whale’s flippers, these leading-edge serrations have improved the aerodynamic efficiency and the lift characteristics of airfoils and wings. This paper aims to discusses in detail the flow physics associated with tubercles and their effect on swept wings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves a series of experimental and numerical analyses that have been performed on four different wing configurations, with four different sweep angles corresponding to 0°, 10°, 20° and 30° at a low Reynolds number corresponding to Rec=100,000.

Findings

Results indicate that the effect of tubercles diminishes with an increase in wing sweep. A significant performance enhancement was observed in the stall and post-stall regions. The addition of tubercles led to a smooth post-stall lift characteristic compared to the sudden loss in the lift with regular wings. Among the four different wings under observation, it was found that tubercles were most effective on the 0° configuration (no sweep), showing a 10.8% increment in maximum lift and a 38.5% increase in the average lift generated in the post-stall region. Tubercles were least effective on 30° configuration. Furthermore, with an increase in wing sweep, co-rotating vortices were distinctly observed rather than counter-rotating vortices.

Originality/value

While extensive numerical and experimental studies have been performed on straight wings with tubercles, studies on the tubercle effect on swept wings at low Reynolds number are minimal and mainly experimental in nature. This study uses numerical methods to explore the complex flow physics associated with tubercles and their implementation on swept wings. This study can be used as an introductory study to implement passive flow control devices in the low Reynolds number regime.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1981

A commuter flight crashed when the left engine lost power at a critical point in the takeoff, apparently because of previously ingested metal fragments, the National…

Abstract

A commuter flight crashed when the left engine lost power at a critical point in the takeoff, apparently because of previously ingested metal fragments, the National Transportation Safety Board report.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 53 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2018

Nima Vaziri, Ming-Jyh Chern and Tzyy-Leng Horng

The purpose of this study is simulation of dynamic stall behavior around the Eppler 387 airfoil in the low Reynolds number flow with a direct-forcing immersed boundary (DFIB…

159

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is simulation of dynamic stall behavior around the Eppler 387 airfoil in the low Reynolds number flow with a direct-forcing immersed boundary (DFIB) numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach

A ray-casting method is used to define the airfoil geometry. The governing continuity and Navier–Stokes momentum equations and boundary conditions are solved using the DFIB method.

Findings

The purposed method is validated against numerical results from alternative schemes and experimental data on static and oscillating airfoil. A base flow regime and different vortices patterns are observed, in accordance with other previously published investigations. Also, the effects of the reduced frequency, the pitch oscillation amplitude and the Reynolds number are studied. The results show that the reduced frequency has a major effect on the flow field and the force coefficients of the airfoil. On the other hand, the Reynolds number of the flow has a little effect on the dynamic stall characteristics of the airfoil at least in the laminar range.

Practical implications

It is demonstrated that the DFIB model provides an accurate representation of dynamic stall phenomenon.

Originality/value

The results show that the dynamic stall behavior around the Eppler 387 is different than the general dynamic stall behavior understanding in the shedding phase.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Shima Yazdani, Erfan Salimipour, Ayoob Salimipour, Mikhail A. Sheremet and Mohammad Ghalambaz

Active flow control on the NACA 0024 airfoil defined as suction-injection jet at the chord-based Reynolds number of 1.5 × 1e + 5 is studied.

Abstract

Purpose

Active flow control on the NACA 0024 airfoil defined as suction-injection jet at the chord-based Reynolds number of 1.5 × 1e + 5 is studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-dimensional incompressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with the SST k-ω turbulence model are used to study the effects of coflow-jet (CFJ) on the dynamic and static stall phenomena. CFJ implementation is conducted with several momentum coefficients to investigate their turnover. Furthermore, the current work intends to analyze the CFJ performance by varying the Reynolds number and jet momentum coefficient and comparing all states to the baseline airfoil, which has not been studied in prior research investigations.

Findings

It is observed that at the momentum coefficient () of 0.06, the lift coefficients at low attack angles (up to a = 15) dramatically increase. Furthermore, the dynamic stall at the given Reynolds number and with the lowered frequency of 0.15 is explored. In the instance of = 0.07, the lift coefficient curve does not show a noticeable stall feature compared to = 0.05, suggesting that a more powerful stronger jet can entirely control the dynamic stall.

Originality/value

Furthermore, the current work intends to analyze the CFJ performance by varying the jet momentum coefficient and comparing all states to the baseline airfoil, which has not been studied in prior research investigations.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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