Three-Dimensional Unsteady Flow Fields Elicited by a Pitching Forward Swept Wing

Abstract

The three-dimensional flow field about a forward swept, NACA 0015 wing was studied using multiple exposure, phase-locked flow visualization viewed from orthogonal perspectives. The wing was oscillated sinusoidally in pitch while stroboscopic photography was used to record the pitching-dependent alterations in flow field structure. Flow interactions were visualized in discrete fashion for a variety of spanwise views, using different k values and mean angles of attack. The major flow field characteristics were the tip and the leading edge vortices. The strong helical tip flow vortices dominate most of the observed flow structures near the wing tip across all test conditions. The far inboard span locations were dominated by interaction of the flow structures were quite different than the qualitative predictions of previous research. The spatial domain of the flows was quite pronounced and seemed to be specific to the wing geometry of the test configuration. (EDC)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 12, 1986
Accession Number
ADA228085

Entities

People

  • J. Ashworth
  • M. W. Luttges
  • M. Waltrip

Organizations

  • University of Colorado Boulder

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Convection
  • Dynamic Tests
  • Flow Fields
  • Flow Visualization
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Geometry
  • High Angles
  • Leading Edges
  • Photographs
  • Photography
  • Static Tests
  • Swept Wings
  • Three Dimensional
  • Trailing Edges
  • Unsteady Flow
  • Wing Tips

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Fluid Dynamics.