Unsteady Flow Features of a Flapping and Pitching Wing at Low Reynolds Number
Abstract
The unsteady flow field of a flapping-and-pitching flat plate wing of elliptic planform at a nominal Reynolds number, Rec = 4100 and reduced frequency, k = 0.138, was studied using flow visualization. Hydrogen bubbles and dye were employed as tracers. The study reveals many vortical flow features. The trailing edge vortex shows very interesting dynamics immediately following pitching at stroke reversal. A leeward surface spanwise flow towards the wing tip immediately following stroke reversal is observed. A vortex trapping model is proposed to explain enhanced lift observed in insects. The study has applications in flow control and micro air vehicle design and development.
Recommended Citation
K. M. Isaac et al., "Unsteady Flow Features of a Flapping and Pitching Wing at Low Reynolds Number," Proceedings of the 25th AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference (2006, San Francisco, CA), American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Jun 2006.
Meeting Name
25th AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology and Ground Testing Conference (2006: Jun. 5-8, San Francisco, CA)
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Flow Control; Flow Visualization; Vortex Flow; Reynolds number
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2006 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
08 Jun 2006
