Observations of Flow Structure Changes with Aspect Ratio for Rotating Insect Wing Planforms

Author(s):  
Robert Harbig ◽  
John Sheridan ◽  
Mark Thompson ◽  
Cem Ozen ◽  
Donald Rockwell
1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Papadopoulos ◽  
M. V. O¨tu¨gen

The incompressible turbulent flow over a backward-facing step in a rectangular duct was investigated experimentally. The side wall effects on the core flow were determined by varying the aspect ratio (defined as the step span-to-height ratio) from 1 to 28. The Reynolds number, based on the step height and the oncoming free-stream velocity, was 26,500. Detailed velocity measurements were made, including the turbulent stresses, in a region which extended past the flow reattachment zone. Wall static pressure was also measured on both the step and flat walls. In addition, surface visualizations were obtained on all four walls surrounding the separated flow to supplement near-wall velocity measurements. The results show that the aspect ratio has an influence on both the velocity and wall pressure even for relatively large aspect ratios. For example, in the redevelopment region downstream of reattachment, the recovery pressure decreases with smaller aspect ratios. The three-dimensional side wall effects tend to slow down the relaxation downstream of reattachment for smaller aspect ratios as evidenced by the evolution of the velocity field. For the two smallest aspect ratios investigated, higher centerplane streamwise and transverse velocities were obtained which indicate a three-dimensional mean flow structure along the full span of the duct.


1991 ◽  
Vol 231 ◽  
pp. 157-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Nandakumar ◽  
H. J. Weinitschke

The bifurcation structure of two-dimensional, pressure-driven flows through a horizontal, rectangular duet that is heated with a uniform flux in the axial direction and a uniform temperature around the periphery is examined. The solution structure of the flow in a square duct is determined for Grashof numbers (Gr) in the range of 0 to 106 using an arclength continuation scheme. The structure is much more complicated than reported earlier by Nandakumar, Masliyah & Law (1985). The primary branch with two limit points and a hysteresis behaviour between the two-and four-cell flow structure that was computed by Nandakumar et al. is confirmed. An additional symmetric solution branch, which is disconnected from the primary branch (or rather connected via an asymmetric solution branch), is found. This has a two-cell flow structure at one end, a four-cell flow structure at the other, and three limit points are located on the path. Two asymmetric solution branches emanating from symmetry-breaking bifurcation points are also found for a square duct. Thus a much richer solution structure is found with up to five solutions over certain ranges of Or. A determination of linear stability indicates that all two-dimensional solutions develop some form of unstable mode by the time Gr is increased to about 220000. In particular, the four-cell becomes unstable to asymmetric perturbations. The paths of the singular points are tracked with respect to variation in the aspect ratio using the fold-following algorithm. Transcritical points are found at aspect ratios of 1.408 and 1.456 respectively for Prandtl numbers Pr = 0.73 and 5. Above these aspect ratios the four-cell solution is no longer on the primary branch. Some of the fold curves are connected in such a way as to form a tilted cusp. When the channel cross-section is tilted even slightly (1°) with respect to the gravity vector, the bifurcation points unfold and the two-cell solution evolves smoothly as the Grashof number is increased. The four-cell solutions then become genuinely disconnected from the primary branch. The uniqueness range in Grashof number increases with increasing tilt, decreasing aspect ratio and decreasing Prandtl number.


Author(s):  
Miguel R. Visbal ◽  
Daniel J. Garmann

Computations have been carried out in order to describe the complex unsteady flow structure over a stationary and plunging aspect-ratio-two wing under low Reynolds number conditions (Rec = 104). The flow fields are computed employing a high-fidelity implicit large-eddy simulation (ILES) approach found to be effective for moderate Reynolds number flows exhibiting mixed laminar, transitional and turbulent regions. The evolution of the flow structure and aerodynamic loading as a function of increasing angle of attack is presented. Lift and pressure fluctuations are found to be primarily dominated by the large scale circulatory pattern established above the wing due to separation from the leading edge, and by the inherent three dimensionality of the flow induced by the finite aspect ratio. The spanwise distribution of the sectional lift coefficient revealed only a minor direct contribution to the loading exherted by the tip vortex. High-frequency, small-amplitude oscillations are shown to have a significant effect on the separation process and accompanying loads suggesting potential flow control through either suitable actuation or aero-elastic tailoring.


AIAA Journal ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 1081-1086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zakery R. Carr ◽  
Matthew J. Ringuette

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