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Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Xiang Shen, Kai Zeng, Liming Yang, Chengyong Zhu and Laurent Dala

This paper aims to study passive control techniques for transonic flow over a backward-facing step (BFS) using square-lobed trailing edges. The study investigates the efficacy of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study passive control techniques for transonic flow over a backward-facing step (BFS) using square-lobed trailing edges. The study investigates the efficacy of upward and downward lobe patterns, different lobe widths and deflection angles on flow separation, aiming for a deeper understanding of the flow physics behind the passive flow control system.

Design/methodology/approach

Large Eddy Simulation and Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes were used to evaluate the results of the study. The research explores the impact of upward and downward patterns of lobes on flow separation through the effects of different lobe widths and deflection angles. Numerical methods are used to analyse the behaviour of transonic flow over BFS and compared it to existing experimental results.

Findings

The square-lobed trailing edges significantly enhance the reduction of mean reattachment length by up to 80%. At Ma = 0.8, the up-downward configuration demonstrates increased effectiveness in reducing the root mean square of pressure fluctuations at a proximity of 5-step height in the wake region, with a reduction of 50%, while the flat-downward configuration proves to be more efficient in reducing the root mean square of pressure fluctuations at a proximity of 1-step height in the near wake region, achieving a reduction of 71%. Furthermore, the study shows that the up-downward configuration triggers early spanwise velocity fluctuations, whereas the standalone flat-downward configuration displays less intense crosswise velocity fluctuations within the wake region.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of square-lobed trailing edges as passive control techniques, showing significant implications for improving efficiency, performance and safety of the design in aerospace and industrial systems.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that the square-lobed trailing edges are effective in reducing the mean reattachment length and pressure fluctuations in transonic conditions. The study evaluates the efficacy of different configurations, deflection angles and lobe widths on flow and provides insights into the flow physics of passive flow control systems.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 October 2018

Belkallouche Abderrahmane, Tahar Rezoug and Laurent Dala

Aircraft noise is dominant for residents near airports when planes fly at low altitudes such as during departure and landing. Flaps, wings, landing gear contribute significantly…

Abstract

Purpose

Aircraft noise is dominant for residents near airports when planes fly at low altitudes such as during departure and landing. Flaps, wings, landing gear contribute significantly to the total sound emission. This paper aims to present a passive flow control (in the sense that there is no power input) to reduce the noise radiation induced by the flow over the cavity of the landing gear during take-off and landing.

Design/methodology/approach

The understanding of the noise source mechanism is normally caused by the unsteady interactions between the cavity surface and the turbulent flows as well as some studies that have shown tonal noise because of cavity resonances; this tonal noise is dependent on cavity geometry and incoming flow that lead us to use of a sinusoidal surface modification application upstream of a cavity as a passive acoustics control device in approach conditions.

Findings

It is demonstrated that the proposed surface waviness showed a potential reduction in cavity resonance and in the overall sound pressure level at the majority of the points investigated in the low Mach number. Furthermore, optimum sinusoidal amplitude and frequency were determined by the means of a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics analysis for a cavity with a length to depth ratio of four.

Research limitations/implications

The noise control by surface waviness has not implemented in real flight test yet, as all the tests are conducted in the credible numerical simulation.

Practical implications

The application of passive control method on the cavity requires a global aerodynamic study of the air frame is a matter of ongoing debate between aerodynamicists and acousticians. The latter is aimed at the reduction of the noise, whereas the former fears a corruption of flow conditions. To balance aerodynamic performance and acoustics, the use of the surface waviness in cavity leading edge is the most optimal solution.

Social implications

The proposed leading-edge modification it has important theoretical basis and reference value for engineering application it can meet the demands of engineering practice. Particularly, to contribute to the reduce the aircraft noise adopted by the “European Visions 2020”.

Originality/value

The investigate cavity noise with and without surface waviness generation and propagation by using a hybrid approach, the computation of flow based on the large-eddy simulation method, is decoupled from the computation of sound, which can be performed during a post-processing based on Curle’s acoustic analogy as implemented in OpenFOAM.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 91 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2023

Oskar Szulc, Piotr Doerffer, Pawel Flaszynski and Marianna Braza

This paper aims to describe a proposal for an innovative method of normal shock wave–turbulent boundary layer interaction (SBLI) and shock-induced separation control.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a proposal for an innovative method of normal shock wave–turbulent boundary layer interaction (SBLI) and shock-induced separation control.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept is based on the introduction of a tangentially moving wall upstream of the shock wave and in the interaction region. The SBLI control mechanism may be implemented as a closed belt floating on an air cushion, sliding over two cylinders and forming the outer skin of the suction side of the airfoil. The presented exploratory numerical study is conducted with SPARC solver (steady 2D RANS). The effect of the moving wall is presented for the NACA 0012 airfoil operating in transonic conditions.

Findings

To assess the accuracy of obtained solutions, validation of the computational model is demonstrated against the experimental data of Harris, Ladson & Hill and Mineck & Hartwich (NASA Langley). The comparison is conducted not only for the reference (impermeable) but also for the perforated (permeable) surface NACA 0012 airfoils. Subsequent numerical analysis of SBLI control by moving wall confirms that for the selected velocity ratios, the method is able to improve the shock-upstream boundary layer and counteract flow separation, significantly increasing the airfoil aerodynamic performance.

Originality/value

The moving wall concept as a means of normal shock wave–turbulent boundary layer interaction and shock-induced separation control has been investigated in detail for the first time. The study quantified the necessary operational requirements of such a system and practicable aerodynamic efficiency gains and simultaneously revealed the considerable potential of this promising idea, stimulating a new direction for future investigations regarding SBLI control.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2018

Cheng Liu, Wei Wei, Qingdong Yan, Brian K. Weaver and Houston G. Wood

The purpose of this paper is to study the transient cavitation process in torque converters with a particular focus on cavitation suppression with a passive flow control technique.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the transient cavitation process in torque converters with a particular focus on cavitation suppression with a passive flow control technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The transient fluid field in a torque converter was simulated by RANS-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in a full three-dimensional (3D) model. A homogeneous Rayleigh–Plesset cavitation model was used to simulate the transient cavitation process and the results were validated with test data. Various secondary flow passages (SFP) were applied to the stator blade. The cavitation behavior and hydrodynamic performance were simulated and compared to investigate the effect of SFP geometries on cavitation suppression.

Findings

Presented results show that cavitation in the torque converter is highly unstable at stall operating condition because of the combination of a high incidence angle and high flow velocity. The addition of an SFP to the stator blade produces a disruption of the re-entrant jet and reduces the overall degree of cavitation, consequently inhibiting the unstable cavitation and reducing performance degradation.

Originality/value

This paper provides unique insights into the complicated transient cavitation flow patterns found in torque converters and introduces effective passive flow control techniques useful to researchers and engineers in the areas of fluid dynamics and turbomachinery.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2019

Cheng Liu, Qingdong Yan and Houston G. Wood

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanism and suppression of instabilities induced by cavitating flow around a three-dimensional hydrofoil with a particular focus on…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanism and suppression of instabilities induced by cavitating flow around a three-dimensional hydrofoil with a particular focus on cavitation control with a slot.

Design/methodology/approach

The transient cavitating flow around a Clark-Y hydrofoil was investigated using a transport-equation-based cavitation model and the stress-blended eddy simulation model was used to capture the flow turbulence. A homogeneous Rayleigh–Plesset cavitation model was used to model the transient cavitation process and the results were validated with test data. A slot was applied to the hydrofoil to suppress cavitation instabilities, and various slot widths and exit locations were applied to the blade and the cavitation behavior, as well as drag/lift forces, were simulated and compared to investigate the effects of slot geometries on cavitation suppression.

Findings

The large eddy simulation based turbulence model was able to capture the interactions between the cavitation and turbulence. Moreover, the simulation revealed that the re-entrant jet was responsible for the periodic shedding of cavities. The results indicated that a slot was able to mitigate or even suppress cavitation-induced instabilities. A jet flow was generated at the slot exit and disturbed the re-entrant jet. If the slot geometry was properly designed, the jet could block the re-entrant jet and suppress the unsteady cavitation behavior.

Originality/value

This study provides unique insights into the complicated transient cavitation flows around a three-dimensional hydrofoil and introduces an effective passive cavitation control technique useful to researchers and engineers in the areas of fluid dynamics and turbomachinery.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Fernando Tejero Embuena, Piotr Doerffer, Pawel Flaszynski and Oskar Szulc

Helicopter rotor blades are usually aerodynamically limited by the severe conditions present in every revolution: strong shock wave boundary layer interaction on the advancing…

Abstract

Purpose

Helicopter rotor blades are usually aerodynamically limited by the severe conditions present in every revolution: strong shock wave boundary layer interaction on the advancing side and dynamic stall on the retreating side. Therefore, different flow control strategies might be applied to improve the aerodynamic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research is focussed on the application of passive rod vortex generators (RVGs) to control the flow separation induced by strong shock waves on helicopter rotor blades. The formation and development in time of the streamwise vortices are also investigated for a channel flow.

Findings

The proposed RVGs are able to generate streamwise vortices as strong as the well-known air-jet vortex generators. It has been demonstrated a faster vortex formation for the rod type. Therefore, this flow control device is preferred for applications in which a quick vortex formation is required. Besides, RVGs were implemented on helicopters rotor blades improving their aerodynamic performance (ratio thrust/power consumption).

Originality/value

A new type of vortex generator (rod) has been investigated in several configurations (channel flow and rotor blades).

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2019

Mohamed Arif Raj Mohamed, Ugur Guven and Rajesh Yadav

The purpose of this paper is to achieve an optimum flow separation control over the airfoil using passive flow control method by introducing bio-inspired nose near the leading…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to achieve an optimum flow separation control over the airfoil using passive flow control method by introducing bio-inspired nose near the leading edge of the NACA 2412 airfoil.

Design/methodology/approach

Two distinguished methods have been implemented on the leading edge of the airfoil: forward facing step, which induces multiple accelerations at low angle of attack, and cavity/backward facing step, which creates recirculating region (axial vortices) at high angle of attack.

Findings

The porpoise airfoil (optimum bio-inspired nose airfoil) delays the flow separation and improves the aerodynamic efficiency by increasing the lift and decreasing the parasitic drag. The maximum increase in aerodynamic efficiency is 22.4 per cent, with an average increase of 8.6 per cent at all angles of attack.

Research limitations/implications

The computational analysis has been done for NACA 2412 airfoil at low subsonic speed.

Practical implications

This design improves the aerodynamic performance and increases structural strength of the aircraft wing compared to other conventional high-lift devices and flow-control devices.

Originality/value

Different bio-inspired nose designs which are inspired by the cetacean species have been analysed for NACA 2412 airfoil, and optimum nose design (porpoise airfoil) has been found.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 91 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2021

Mohamed Arif Raj Mohamed, Rajesh Yadav and Ugur Guven

This paper aims to achieve an optimum flow separation control over the airfoil using a passive flow control method by introducing a bio-inspired nose near the leading edge of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to achieve an optimum flow separation control over the airfoil using a passive flow control method by introducing a bio-inspired nose near the leading edge of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) 4 and 6 series airfoil. In addition, to find the optimised leading edge nose design for NACA 4 and 6 series airfoils for flow separation control.

Design/methodology/approach

Different bio-inspired noses that are inspired by the cetacean species have been analysed for different NACA 4 and 6 series airfoils. Bio-inspired nose with different nose length, nose depth and nose circle diameter have been analysed on airfoils with different thicknesses, camber and camber locations to understand the aerodynamic flow properties such as vortex formation, flow separation, aerodynamic efficiency and moment.

Findings

The porpoise nose design that has a leading edge with depth = 2.25% of chord, length = 0.75% of chord and nose diameter = 2% of chord, delays the flow separation and improves the aerodynamic efficiency. Average increments of 5.5% to 6° in the lift values and decrements in parasitic drag (without affecting the pitching moment) for all the NACA 4 and 6 series airfoils were observed irrespective of airfoil geometry such as different thicknesses, camber and camber location.

Research limitations/implications

The two-dimensional computational analysis is done for different NACA 4 and 6 series airfoils at low subsonic speed.

Practical implications

This design improves aerodynamic performance and increases the structural strength of the aircraft wing compared to other conventional high lift devices and flow control devices. This universal leading edge flow control device can be adapted to aircraft wings incorporated with any NACA 4 and 6 series airfoil.

Social implications

The results would be of significant interest in the fields of aircraft design and wind turbine design, lowering the cost of energy and air travel for social benefits.

Originality/value

Different bio-inspired nose designs that are inspired by the cetacean species have been analysed for NACA 4 and 6 series airfoils and universal optimum nose design (porpoise airfoil) is found for NACA 4 and 6 series airfoils.

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2018

Tugrul Oktay, Metin Uzun and Ozturk Ozdemir Kanat

The purpose of this study is to increase maximum lift/drag ratio (Emax) of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) via applying novel small aerodynamic modifications.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to increase maximum lift/drag ratio (Emax) of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) via applying novel small aerodynamic modifications.

Design methodology/approach

A TUAV is manufactured in Erciyes University, Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Model Aircraft Laboratory. It has both passive and active morphing capabilities. Its nosecone and tailcone shapes are redesigned to improve Emax. Moreover, active flow control is also built on its wing for improving Emax.

Findings

Using these novel small aerodynamic modifications, considerable improvement on Emax is obtained.

Research limitations/implications

Permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey is required for testing TUAVs in real-time applications.

Practical implications

Small aerodynamic modifications such as nosecone-tailcone shape modifications and building active flow control on wing are very beneficial for improving Emax of TUAVs.

Social implications

Small aerodynamic modifications satisfy confidence, high performance and easy utility demands of TUAV users.

Originality/value

The study will enable the creation of novel approaches to improve Emax value and therefore aerodynamic performance of TUAVs.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 90 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Rafael Bardera, Marina León-Calero and Joaquín de Nova-Trigueros

Aircraft carriers are essential for modern naval operations. Takeoff maneuver is critical because of the short runway distance. The ski-jump ramp is a system which increases the…

Abstract

Purpose

Aircraft carriers are essential for modern naval operations. Takeoff maneuver is critical because of the short runway distance. The ski-jump ramp is a system which increases the angle of attack of the aircraft, so an extra lift is obtained. Regarding the flow configuration over the ski-jump ramp at ahead wind conditions, the complex aerodynamic environment generated by the ramp configuration influences aircraft operations. This flow field is mainly characterized by a low velocity recirculation bubble that reduces aircraft performances. The purpose of this paper is to find a solution to reduce these adverse effects, by means of flow control devices, which opens a wide field of research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents wind tunnel tests performed to study the flow configuration in the vicinity of the ski-jump ramp and the flow control devices effects. A 1:100 scaled ship model was built to develop experimental tests by using flow control devices fabricated by means of additive manufacturing. Particle image velocimetry technique was used to measure the velocity flow field and the turbulence intensity maps.

Findings

Interesting results were obtained when the angle between the intersection of the ski-jump ramp and the columnar vortex generator (CVG) is modified. The results showed a high reduction of the recirculation bubble generated over the flight deck.

Originality/value

CVG has presented encouraging results as a passive flow control device. A study of the variation of CVG geometrical parameters has been developed.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

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