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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 359-376 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Journal of Fluids and Structures |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2010 |
Event | 47th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including The New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition - Orlando, USA United States Duration: 5 Jan 2009 → 8 Jan 2009 |