scholarly journals Improving the aerodynamic performance of a cycloidal rotor through active compliant morphing

2017 ◽  
Vol 121 (1241) ◽  
pp. 901-915
Author(s):  
L. Ferrier ◽  
M. Vezza ◽  
H. Zare-Behtash
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Micro Air Vehicles ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Marine Vehicles ◽  
Aerospace Applications ◽  
Naca 0015 ◽  
Air Vehicles

ABSTRACTCycloidal rotors are a novel form of propulsion system that can be adapted to various forms of transport such as air and marine vehicles, with a geometrical design differing significantly from the conventional screw propeller. Research on cycloidal rotor design began in the early 1930s and has developed throughout the years to the point where such devices now operate as propulsion systems for various aerospace applications such as micro air vehicles, unmanned air vehicles and compound helicopters. The majority of research conducted on the cycloidal rotor’s aerodynamic performance have not assessed mitigating the dynamic stall effect, which can have a negative impact on the rotor performance when the blades operate in the rotor retreating side. A solution has been proposed to mitigate the dynamic stall effect through employment of active, compliant leading-edge morphing. A review of the current state of the art in this area is presented. A two-dimensional, implicit unsteady numerical analysis was conducted using the commercial computational fluid dynamics software package STAR CCM+, on a two-bladed cycloidal rotor. An overset mesh technique, otherwise known as a chimera mesh, was used to apply complex transient motions to the simulations. Active, compliant leading-edge morphing is applied to an oscillating NACA 0015 aerofoil to attempt to mitigate the dynamic stall whilst maintaining the positive dynamic lift coefficient (Cl) contributions. It was verified that by applying a pulsed input leading-edge rotational morphing schedule, the leading-edge vortex does not fully form and the large flow separation is prevented. Further work in this investigation will focus on coupling the active, leading-edge motion to the cycloidal rotor model with the aim to maximise aerodynamic performance.

Evolutionary shape optimisation enhances the lift coefficient of rotating wing geometries

2019 ◽  
Vol 868 ◽  
pp. 369-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shantanu S. Bhat ◽  
Jisheng Zhao ◽  
John Sheridan ◽  
Kerry Hourigan ◽  
Mark C. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Micro Air Vehicles ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Wing Shape ◽  
Shape Optimisation ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Aerodynamic Pressure ◽  
Performance Requirements ◽  
Air Vehicles

Wing shape is an important factor affecting the aerodynamic performance of wings of monocopters and flapping-wing micro air vehicles. Here, an evolutionary structural optimisation method is adapted to optimise wing shape to enhance the lift force due to aerodynamic pressure on the wing surfaces. The pressure distribution is observed to vary with the span-based Reynolds number over a range covering most insects and samaras. Accordingly, the optimised wing shapes derived using this evolutionary approach are shown to adjust with Reynolds number. Moreover, these optimised shapes exhibit significantly higher lift coefficients (${\sim}50\,\%$) than the initial rectangular wing forebear. Interestingly, the optimised shapes are found to have a large area outboard, broadly in line with the features of high-lift forewings of multi-winged insects. According to specific aerodynamic performance requirements, this novel method could be employed in the optimisation of improved wing shapes for micro air vehicles.

Effect of the Leading Edge and Vein Elasticity on Aerodynamic Performance of Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicles

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-195
Author(s):  
Sang-Hoon Yoon ◽  
Haeseong Cho ◽  
Sang-Joon Shin ◽  
Seokhaeng Huh ◽  
Jeehoon Koo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Leading Edge ◽  
Micro Air Vehicles ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Flapping Wing ◽  
Air Vehicles

scholarly journals Inflatable Leading Edge-Based Dynamic Stall Control considering Fluid-Structure Interaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Shi-Long Xing ◽  
He-Yong Xu ◽  
Ming-Sheng Ma ◽  
Zheng-Yin Ye
Keyword(s):  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Fluid Structure Interaction ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Elastic Membrane ◽  
Radius Of Curvature ◽  
Structural Dynamic ◽  
Fluid Structure ◽  
Structure Interaction ◽  
Stall Control

The inflatable leading edge (ILE) is explored as a dynamic stall control concept. A fluid-structure interaction (FSI) numerical method for the elastic membrane structure is constructed based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) and a mass-spring-damper (MSD) structural dynamic model. Radial basis function- (RBF-) based mesh deformation algorithm and Laplacian and optimization-based mesh smoothing algorithm are adopted in flowfield simulations to achieve the pitching oscillation of the airfoil and to ensure the mesh quality. An airfoil is considered at a freestream Mach number of 0.3 and chord-based Reynolds number of 3.92×106. The airfoil is pitched about its quarter-chord axis at a sinusoidal motion. The numerical results indicate that the ILE can change the radius of curvature of the airfoil leading edge, which could reduce the streamwise adverse pressure gradient and suppress the formation of dynamic stall vortex (DSV). Although the maximum lift coefficient of the airfoil is slightly reduced during the control process, the maximum drag and pitching moment coefficients of the airfoil are greatly reduced by up to 66% and 75.2%, respectively. The relative position of the ILE has a significant influence on its control effect. The control laws of inflation and deflation also affect the control ability of the ILE.

scholarly journals Investigation of High Lift Force Generation of Dragonfly Wing by a Novel Advanced Mode in Hover

Fluids ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Xiaohui Su ◽  
Kaixuan Zhang ◽  
Juan Zheng ◽  
Yong Zhao ◽  
Ruiqi Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Lift Force ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Force Generation ◽  
High Lift ◽  
Dragonfly Wing ◽  
Symmetrical Mode

In the paper, a novel flapping mode is presented that can generate high lift force by a dragonfly wing in hover. The new mode, named partial advanced mode (PAM), starts pitching earlier than symmetric rotation during the downstroke cycle of the hovering motion. As a result, high lift force can be generated due to rapid pitching coupling with high flapping velocity in the stroke plane. Aerodynamic performance of the new mode is investigated thoroughly using numerical simulation. The results obtained show that the period-averaged lift coefficient, CL, increases up to 16% compared with that of the traditional symmetrical mode when an earlier pitching time is set to 8% of the flapping period. The reason for the high lift force generation mechanism is explained in detail using not only force investigation, but also by analyzing vortices produced around the wing. The proposed PAM is believed to lengthen the dynamic stall mechanism and enhance the LEV generated during the downstroke. The improvement of lift force could be considered as a result of a combination of the dynamic stall mechanism and rapid pitch mechanism. Finally, the energy expenditure of the new mode is also analyzed.

Aeroelastic Analysis of Membrane Micro Air Vehicles

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J. Attar ◽  
Raymond E. Gordnier ◽  
Jordan W. Johnston ◽  
William A. Romberg ◽  
Ramkumar N. Parthasarathy
Keyword(s):  
Strouhal Number ◽  
Limit Cycle ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Angle Of Attack ◽  
Micro Air Vehicles ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Wing Membrane ◽  
Reduced Frequency ◽  
Membrane Wing ◽  
Air Vehicles

The fluid and structural response of two different membrane wing Micro Air Vehicles is studied through computation and experiment. A (three) batten-reinforced fixed wing membrane micro air vehicle is used to determine the effect of membrane prestrain and fixed angle of attack on flutter and limit cycle behavior of fixed wing membrane Micro Air Vehicles. For each configuration tested, flutter and subsequent limit cycle oscillations are measured in wind tunnel tests and predicted using an aeroelastic computational model consisting of a nonlinear finite element model coupled to a vortex lattice solution of the Laplace equation and boundary conditions. Correlation between the predicted and measured onset of limit cycle oscillation is good as is the prediction of the amplitude of the limit cycle at the trailing edge of the lower membrane. A direct correlation between levels of strain and the phase of the membranes during the limit cycle is found in the computation and thought to also occur in the experiment. The second membrane wing micro air vehicle configuration is that of a plunging membrane airfoil model. This model is studied computationally using a sixth-order finite difference solution of the Navier-Stokes equations coupled to a nonlinear string finite element model. The effect, on the structural and fluid response, of plunging Strouhal number, reduced frequency and static angle of attack is examined. At two degree angle of attack, and Strouhal number of 0.2, the effect of increasing the plunging reduced frequency is to decrease the sectional lift coefficient and increase the sectional drag coefficient. At this angle of attack, minimal change in the sectional lift coefficient is found when increasing from a Strouhal number of 0.2 to 0.5 at reduced frequencies of 0.5 and 5.903, the lowest and highest values of this parameter which are studied in this work. For this angle of attack the maximum change which occurs when increasing the Strouhal number from 0.2 to 0.5 is at a reduced frequency of 1.5. When the effect of angle of attack is studied, it is found that at a Strouhal number of 0.5 and reduced frequency of 1.5 the plunging flexible model demonstrates improved lift characteristics over the fixed flexible airfoil case. The greatest improvement occurs at an angle of attack of 2 degrees followed by 10 degrees and then 6 degrees. Finally the effect on the flow characteristics of airfoil flexibility is investigated by increasing the membrane pre-strain from a nominal value of 5 percent to that of 20 percent. This increase in pre-strain results in a reduced value of sectional lift coefficient as compared the 5 percent pre-strain case at the same fixed angle of attack, Strouhal number and reduced frequency.

Effect of Small-Amplitude Heaving Oscillations on the Flow Structure Above a Low-Aspect Ratio Wing

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel R. Visbal
Keyword(s):  
Micro Air Vehicles ◽  
Dynamic Stall ◽  
Flapping Wings ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Low Reynolds Number Flows ◽  
Effective Angle ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Aerodynamic Surfaces ◽  
Reynolds Number Flows ◽  
Air Vehicles

Unsteady low-Reynolds-number flows are of importance in understanding the flight performance of natural flyers, as well as in the design of small unmanned air vehicles and micro air vehicles [1,2]. The imposed motion of flapping wings or the large excursions in effective angle of attack during gust encounters may induce the formation of dynamic-stall-like vortices [3–10] whose evolution and interaction with the aerodynamic surfaces impact both flight stability and performance.

scholarly journals Numerical Analysis of Wind Turbine Airfoil Aerodynamic Performance with Leading Edge Bump

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Asli ◽  
Behnam Mashhadi Gholamali ◽  
Abolghasem Mesgarpour Tousi
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Vortex Generator ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Suction Side ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance

Aerodynamic performance improvement of wind turbine blade is the key process to improve wind turbine performance in electricity generated and energy conversion in renewable energy sources concept. The flow behavior on wind turbine blades profile and the relevant phenomena like stall can be improved by some modifications. In the present paper, Humpback Whales flippers leading edge protuberances model as a novel passive stall control method was investigated on S809 as a thick airfoil. The airfoil was numerically analyzed by CFD method in Reynolds number of 106and aerodynamic coefficients in static angle of attacks were validated with the experimental data reported by Somers in NREL. Therefore, computational results for modified airfoil with sinusoidal wavy leading edge were presented. The results revealed that, at low angles of attacks before the stall region, lift coefficient decreases slightly rather than baseline model. However, the modified airfoil has a smooth stall trend while baseline airfoil lift coefficient decreases sharply due to the separation which occurred on suction side. According to the flow physics over the airfoils, leading edge bumps act as vortex generator so vortices containing high level of momentum make the flow remain attached to the surface of the airfoil at high angle of attack and prevent it from having a deep stall.

scholarly journals Improvement of Aerodynamic Performance of Cambered Airfoils Using Leading-Edge Slots

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Beyhaghi ◽  
Ryoichi S. Amano
Keyword(s):  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Aerodynamic Performance ◽  
Bottom Surface ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Maximum Increase ◽  
Average Improvement ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Inlet Angle

Feasibility of increasing lift and decreasing drag by drilling narrow span-wide channels near the leading edge of NACA 4412 airfoils is investigated. It is proposed to drill two-segment slots that allow some of the incoming air to flow through them and then exit from the bottom surface of the airfoil. Such slots can result in an increased local pressure and thereby higher lift. Length, width, inlet angle, and exit angle of slots are varied to determine optimum configurations. Aerodynamic performance at different angles of attack (AoAs) and the chord-based Reynolds number of 1.6 × 106 is investigated. It is concluded that longer and narrower slots with exit streams more aligned with the air flowing below the airfoil can result in a higher lift. Also, in order to keep the slotted airfoils beneficial for AoAs greater than zero, it is proposed to (a) slightly lower the slot position with respect to the original design and (b) tilt up the first-leg by a few degrees. For the best design case considered, an average improvement of 8% is observed for lift coefficient over the entire range of AoA (with the maximum increase of 15% for AoA = 0), without any significant drag penalty.

The novel aerodynamics of insect flight: applications to micro-air vehicles

1999 ◽  
Vol 202 (23) ◽  
pp. 3439-3448 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.P. Ellington
Keyword(s):  
Insect Flight ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Micro Air Vehicles ◽  
The Body ◽  
Power Requirement ◽  
Wing Motion ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
Air Vehicles

The wing motion in free flight has been described for insects ranging from 1 to 100 mm in wingspan. To support the body weight, the wings typically produce 2–3 times more lift than can be accounted for by conventional aerodynamics. Some insects use the fling mechanism: the wings are clapped together and then flung open before the start of the downstroke, creating a lift-enhancing vortex around each wing. Most insects, however, rely on a leading-edge vortex (LEV) created by dynamic stall during flapping; a strong spanwise flow is also generated by the pressure gradients on the flapping wing, causing the LEV to spiral out to the wingtip. Technical applications of the fling are limited by the mechanical damage that accompanies repeated clapping of the wings, but the spiral LEV can be used to augment the lift production of propellers, rotors and micro-air vehicles (MAVs). Design characteristics of insect-based flying machines are presented, along with estimates of the mass supported, the mechanical power requirement and maximum flight speeds over a wide range of sizes and frequencies. To support a given mass, larger machines need less power, but smaller ones operating at higher frequencies will reach faster speeds.

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