22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-P2.7
DISC-WING AERODYNAMICS
J. R. Potts, W. J. Crowther
Fluid Mechanics Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Manchester, UK
Keywords: disc-wing, rotating bodies, fluorescent paint, smoke filaments, flow topology
An experimental investigation into the aerodynamics
of a rotating disc-wing has been
carried out in an open-circuit wind tunnel. The
disc-wing considered has an axi-symmetric,
approximately elliptic cross-section and hollowed
out underside cavity. The forces and moments
were measured for various flow speeds,
spin rates over the incidence range -10° to 30°.
Observations from fluorescent paint patterns
and smoke filaments (flow visualisation
techniques) have revealed the surface flow
regime and flow field, respectively. The upper
surface flow is characterised by separation at a
line (arc) of constant radius on the leading edge
rim, followed by reattachment at a line of
similar geometry. Trailing vortices detach from
the trailing edge rim. The cavity flow is
characterised by separation at the leading edge
lip, followed by straight-line reattachment. The
aim of this research was to gain an understanding
of the complex three-dimensional flow
structures, which will enable the effective
implementation of a flow control method,
contributing towards the development of an
unmanned air-vehicle or projectile.
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