Effect of pre-strain and excess length on unsteady fluid-structure interactions of membrane airfoils

Reference:

Rojratsirikul, P., Wang, Z. and Gursul, I., 2010. Effect of pre-strain and excess length on unsteady fluid-structure interactions of membrane airfoils. Journal of Fluids and Structures, 26 (3), pp. 359-376.

Related documents:

Official URL:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2010.01.005

Abstract

Aerodynamic characteristics of two-dimensional membrane airfoils were experimentally investigated in a wind tunnel. The effects of the membrane pre-strain and excess length on the unsteady aspects of the fluid-structure interaction were studied. The deformation of the membrane as a function of angle of attack and free-stream velocity was measured using a high-speed camera. These measurements were complemented by the measurements of unsteady velocity field with a high frame-rate Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system as well as smoke visualization. Membrane airfoils with excess length exhibit higher vibration modes, earlier roll-up of vortices, and smaller separated flow regions, whereas the membranes with pre-strain generally behave more similarly to a rigid airfoil. Measured frequencies of the membrane vibrations suggest a possible coupling with the wake instabilities at high incidences for all airfoils.

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