Low Re, High Α Aerodynamics with Controlled Wing Kinematics
Abstract
Numerical simulations of an ultra low Reynolds number (Re), high angle of attack (α), thin, two-dimensional airfoil representative of insect wings, have been conducted for Re range, ~500-5000, and two values of α (~30°C and ~45°C). the time-accurate, unsteady simulation results are analyzed and the phase relations of the leading edge and trailing edge vortex (LEV/TEV) dynamics to cyclical lift variation are established. the results show the present fixed wing undergoing a high-lift phase during each lift cycle. at moderately high α, the LEV dominates, and at higher α the LEV and TEV are equally dominant. the Strouhal number for all the cases considered is close to that of the Karman vortex shedding, a significant departure from some of the previous high Re results. We propose that, by matching the wing beat frequency of biomimetic micro air vehicles that incorporate wing kinematics to that of the corresponding Karman vortex shedding frequency, the wing can avoid operating in the low lift phase, explaining, at least in part, the high lift associated with insect flight. © 2003 by the authors. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.
Recommended Citation
K. M. Isaac et al., "Low Re, High Α Aerodynamics with Controlled Wing Kinematics," 33rd AIAA Fluid Dynamics Conference and Exhibit, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Dec 2003.
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-162410095-6
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Dec 2003
