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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: 28 June 2013

Zhang Xingwei, Zhou Chaoying, Zhang Tao and Ji Wenying

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of spanwise shape of the leading edge on unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of wings during forward flapping and gliding…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of spanwise shape of the leading edge on unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of wings during forward flapping and gliding flight.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational fluid dynamics approach was conducted to analyze the flow around airfoils with sinusoidal‐like protuberances at a Reynolds number of 104. Three‐dimensional time‐dependent incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations are numerically solved by using finite volume method. A multigrid mesh method, which was applied to the situation of fluid across the heaving models is used to simulate this type of flow. The simulations are performed for the wavelength between neighbouring peaks of 0.25c and 0.5c. For each wavelength, two heights of the tubercles which are 5 per cent and 10 per cent of the chordwise length of wing, are employed on the leading edge of wings. The aerodynamic forces and flow structure around airfoils are presented and compared in detail. Special attention is paid to investigate the effect of leading‐edge shape on the fluid dynamic forces.

Findings

Present results reveal that the wings with leading‐edge tubercles have an aerodynamic advantage during gliding flight and also have the potential advantages during flapping forward flight.

Originality/value

On the basis of computational study, an improved scenario for flapping wing microaviation vehicle has been originally proposed.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 85 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2016

R.P. George, U. Kamachi Mudali and Baldev Raj

The purpose of this paper is to study the metal-Microbe interaction playing a crucial role in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling of materials in cooling…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the metal-Microbe interaction playing a crucial role in microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) and biofouling of materials in cooling water systems. Treatment regimens should be planned based on this understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Attempts were made in the past decades to characterize and understand biofilm formation on important power plant structural materials such as carbon steel (CS), stainless steel (SS) and titanium in fresh water and in seawater to achieve better control of biofouling and minimize MIC problems.

Findings

This report presents the results of detailed studies on tuberculation-formed CS because of the action of iron-oxidizing bacteria and the effects of algae- and bacteria-dominated biofilms on the passivity of SS. The preferential adhesion of different bacterial species on SS under the influence of inclusions and sensitization was studied in the context of preferential corrosion of SS weldments due to microbial action. Detailed characterization of biofilms formed on titanium (the likely condenser material for fast breeder reactors) after exposure for two years in Kalpakkam coastal waters revealed intense biofouling and biomineralization of manganese even in chlorinated seawater. Studies on the effectiveness of conventional fouling control strategies were also evaluated.

Originality/value

The detailed studies of different metal/biofilm/microbe interactions demonstrated the physiological diversity of microbes in the biofilms that were formed on different materials, coupling their cooperative metabolic activities with consequent corrosion behaviour. These interactions could enhance either anodic or cathodic reactions and exploit metallurgical features that enhance biofilm formation and/or the capacity of microbes to mutate and overcome mitigation measures.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 63 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2016

Man Zhang and Abdelkader Frendi

The tubercles at the leading edge of Humpback Whale flippers have been shown to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to compute the flow structures and…

Abstract

Purpose

The tubercles at the leading edge of Humpback Whale flippers have been shown to increase aerodynamic efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to compute the flow structures and noise signature of a NACA0012 airfoil with and without leading edge waviness, and located in the wake of a cylinder using the hybrid RANS-LES method.

Design/methodology/approach

The mean flow Mach number is 0.2 and the angle of attack used is 2°. After benchmarking the method using existing experimental results, unsteady computations were then carried-out on both airfoil geometries and for a 2° angle of attack.

Findings

Results from these computations confirmed the aerodynamic benefits of the leading edge waviness. Moreover, the wavy leading edge airfoil was found to be at least 4 dB quieter than its non-wavy counterpart. In-depth analysis of the computational results revealed that the wavy leading edge airfoil breaks up the large coherent structures which are then convected at higher speeds down the trough region of the waviness in agreement with previous experimental observations. This result is supported by both the two-point and space-time correlations of the wall pressure.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the current findings reside in the fact that both the Reynolds number and the flow Mach number are low, therefore not applicable to aircrafts. In order to extend the study to practical aircrafts one needs huge grids and large computational resources.

Practical implications

The results obtained here could have a huge implications on the design of future aircrafts and spacecrafts. More specifically, the biggest benefit from such redesign is the reduction of acoustic signature as well as increased efficiency in fuel consumption.

Social implications

Reducing acoustic signature from aircrafts has been a major research thrust for NASA and Federal Aviation Administration. The social impact of such reduction would be improved quality of life in airport communities. For military aircrafts, this could results in reduced detectability and hence saving lives.

Originality/value

Humpback Whales have been studied by various researchers to understand the effects of leading edge “tubercles” on flow structures. What is new in this study is the numerical confirmation of the effects of the tubercles on the flow structures and the resulting noise radiations. It is shown through the use of two-point correlations and space-time correlations that the flow structures in the trough area are indeed vortex tubes.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 26 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 January 2002

Alden S. Klovdahl, Edward A. Graviss and James M. Musser

As the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS pandemic became apparent, attention was directed once again at the control of infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB), the focus here, was once…

Abstract

As the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS pandemic became apparent, attention was directed once again at the control of infectious diseases. Tuberculosis (TB), the focus here, was once thought ‘conquered’ but again has become a matter of concern. Historically, TB control has concentrated on contacts between infectious cases and susceptible persons in their immediate social (often household) environments. The development of DNA strain typing of the bacterium M. tuberculosis, however, provided important new tools from molecular biology. Subsequent work has indicated that transmission could occur more readily than previously believed, i.e. in community settings. Limitations of conventional TB control programs thus were revealed. Here, tools from molecular biology, epidemiology and network analysis are integrated to suggest a new approach to infectious disease control.

Details

Social Networks and Health
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-152-1

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2020

Hamed Ghandi, Reza Aghaei Togh and Abolghasem Mesgarpoor Tousi

The blade profile and its geometrical features play an important role in the separation of the boundary layer on the blade. Modifying the blade geometry, which might lead to the…

Abstract

Purpose

The blade profile and its geometrical features play an important role in the separation of the boundary layer on the blade. Modifying the blade geometry, which might lead to the delay or elimination of the flow separation, can be considered as a passive flow control methodology. This study aims to find a novel and inexpensive way to reduce loss with appropriate modifications on the leading edge of the turbine blade.

Design/methodology/approach

Three types of wave leading edges were designed with different wavelengths and amplitudes. The selected numbers for the wave characteristics were based on the best results of previous studies. Models with appropriate and independent meshing have been simulated and studied by a commercial software. The distribution of the loss at different planes and mid-plane velocity vectors were shown. The mass flow average of loss at different incidence angles was calculated for the reference blade and modified ones for the sake of comparison.

Findings

The results show that in all three types of modified blades compared to the reference blade, the elimination of flow separation is observed and therefore the reduction of loss at the critical incidence angle of I = –15°. As the amplitude of the wave increased, the amount of loss growing up, while the increase in wavelength caused the loss to decrease.

Originality/value

The results of the present numerical analysis were validated by the laboratory results of the reference blade. The experimental study of modified blades can be used to quantify numerical solutions.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2023

Metin Uzun and Tugrul Oktay

The purpose of this paper is to improve autonomous flight performance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having actively sweep angle morphing wing using simultaneous UAV and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve autonomous flight performance of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having actively sweep angle morphing wing using simultaneous UAV and flight control system (FCS) design.

Design/methodology/approach

An UAV is remanufactured in the ISTE Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory. Its wing sweep angle can vary actively during flight. FCS parameters and wing sweep angle are simultaneously designed to optimize autonomous flight performance index using a stochastic optimization method called as simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA). Results obtained are applied for flight simulations.

Findings

Using simultaneous design process of an UAV having actively sweep angle morphing wing and FCS design, autonomous flight performance index is maximized.

Research limitations/implications

Authorization of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey is crucial for real-time UAV flights.

Practical implications

Simultaneous UAV having actively sweep angle morphing wing and FCS design process is so beneficial for recovering UAV autonomous flight performance index.

Social implications

Simultaneous UAV having actively sweep angle morphing wing and FCS design process achieves confidence, high autonomous performance index and simple service demands of UAV operators.

Originality/value

Composing a novel approach to improve autonomous flight performance index (e.g. less settling and rise time, less overshoot meanwhile trajectory tracking) of an UAV and creating an original procedure carrying out simultaneous UAV having actively sweep angle morphing wing and FCS design idea.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1901

The great difficulties which attach to the fixing of legal standards of composition for food products have now to be grappled with by the Departmental Committee appointed by the…

67

Abstract

The great difficulties which attach to the fixing of legal standards of composition for food products have now to be grappled with by the Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture to consider and determine what regulations should be made by the Board, under Section 4 of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1899, with respect to the composition of butter. As we predicted in regard to the labours of the Milk and Cream Standards Committee, so we predict now that the Butter Committee will be unable to do more than to recommend standards and limits, which, while they will make for the protection of the public against the sale of grossly adulterated articles, will certainly not in any way insure the sale of butter of really satisfactory, or even of fair, composition. Standards and limits established by law for the purposes of the administration of criminal Acts of Parliament must of necessity be such as to legalise the sale of products of a most inferior character, to which the term “genuine” may still by law be applied as well as to legalise the sale of adulterated and sophisticated products so prepared as to come within the four corners of the law. It is, of course, an obvious necessity that official standards and limits should be established, and the Board of Agriculture are to be congratulated upon the manner in which they are endeavouring to deal with these extremely knotty problems; but it is important that misconception on the part of the public and the trade with respect to the effect of the regulations to be made should be as far as possible prevented. All that can be hoped for is that the conclusions at which the Committee may find themselves compelled to arrive will not be such as to place too high and too obvious a premium upon the sale of those inferior and scientifically‐adulterated products which are placed in such enormous quantities on the food market.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 3 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1994

Derek Mozley

Three events of significance to this country took place in 1899 – the British Food Journal was launched, Australia retained the Ashes, and the Boer War hostilities commenced. If…

1010

Abstract

Three events of significance to this country took place in 1899 – the British Food Journal was launched, Australia retained the Ashes, and the Boer War hostilities commenced. If challenged on the order of their importance, cricketers and Empire‐builders may be excused their preference. However, looking at it purely from the standpoint of pro bono publico, the dispassionate observer must surely opt for the birth of a certain publication as being ultimately the most beneficial of the three.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 96 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1966

J. McDougall

A review of the very widespread literature on the subject of bacterial corrosion, which is of practical concern to industry. The basis of the paper won first prize in the…

Abstract

A review of the very widespread literature on the subject of bacterial corrosion, which is of practical concern to industry. The basis of the paper won first prize in the international corrosion essay competition of the Society of Chemical Industry.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 13 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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