Analysis of three-dimensional dynamic stall

Ferrecchia, Antonella (2002) Analysis of three-dimensional dynamic stall. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The work presented in this thesis attempts to provide a deeper understanding of the physical phenomena associated with the dynamic stall process on finite wing planforms.

The work involves the analysis of data from the Glasgow University unsteady aerodynamics database that has been built up over a number of years through contributions from a range of researchers. Analysis focuses on two finite wing models; one a rectangular wing of aspect ratio three and the other with the same overall dimensions but with 60o swept tips. However, as most research to date has focused on nominally two-dimensional data, the results are referenced to measurements made on a nominally two-dimensional NACA 0015 aerofoil model. This is appropriate as this aerofoil was used as the wing section of both of the three-dimensional wing models. Flow visualisation images collected in a previous study also provide valuable information to supplement the pressure analysis.

It is shown that, although the flow at the mid span sections of the finite wings exhibit many of the features of the two-dimensional case, there are some significant differences. In particular, the three-dimensional flow is dominated by the downwash from the wing tips. This causes the normal force response during pitching to lag the static normal force curve. This is in complete contrast to the two-dimensional case where the shed vorticity induces the opposite effect. The downwash also influences the incidence of lift stall but it does so in a manner that is dependent on the reduced pitch rate. Despite these effects, it is established that the flow behaviour in the mid-span region is almost two-dimensional prior to vortex inception. This provides an opportunity to examine the relationship between the generation of vorticity, or vorticity flux, in the leading edge region and the origins of the dynamic stall vortex at specific span locations in location.

The vorticity flux distributions around the leading edges of the nominally two-dimensional NACA 0015 aerofoil and the two finite wings are then examined for pitching cases. On this basis a link is established between the peak vorticity flux and the dynamic stall vortex formation. This is confirmed by comparison of the vorticity flux measurements with a previous dynamic stall vortex detection method. The two methods are shown to five almost identical results in situations where the flow may be considered nominally two-dimensional. This suggests that monitoring vorticity flux may provide a practical method of dynamic stall vortex detection.

In regions of the finite wings that exhibit strong three-dimensional flow effects, i.e. away from the mid-span, the peak vorticity flux is achieved after the dynamic stall vortex forms. This suggests that vortex formation is triggered by interference from adjacent sections of the wing. To examine this possibility, the vorticity flux is compared to a criterion used to detect the initial instability of the boundary layer at the leading edge. It is shown that the relationship between this criterion and the peak vorticity flux is the same along the span of the wing. This is a significant result as it demonstrates that, although the leading edge response determines the incidence of vortex onset near the mid-span, the formation of the vortex on sections of the wing closer to the tips occurs before the leading edge becomes critical. The implications of this for dynamic stall modelling of two-dimensional dynamic stall predictors with lifting line formulations will not capture this effect.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Supervisor's Name: Coton, Dr. F. and Galbraith, Prof. R.
• Date of Award: 2002
• Depositing User: Angi Shields
• Unique ID: glathesis:2002-4429
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2013 11:35
• Last Modified: 25 Jun 2013 11:35
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4429