Pliant Micro Membrane-Wing Tip Vorticity Estimation Using Strain Sensitive Active Materials
Abstract
A mathematical correlation between wing-membrane discrete strains, wing lift and tip vorticity intensity, with simplified assumptions, was formulated and demonstrated. Wing circulation and lift estimation from tip vorticity, obtained via PIV measurements correlated qualitatively well with sting balance data from wind tunnel tests. The elastic pliant wing membrane shape under aerodynamic loads was estimated using a discrete number of strain information simulating patches of strain sensitive sensors on the surface of the wing. The information provided from the simulated stain sensors was used to reconstruct a quadratic representation of actual deformed membrane surface. A linear partial differential equation relating pressure distribution to membrane deflection is used to relate and correlate wing structural strain to lift and wing-tip vorticity via approximating lift resultant and applying basic linear aerodynamic principles. The models can account for the pliant wing membrane different levels of pre-tension. Using relatively simple, low order approximations, a distinct correlation between strain, wing-tip vorticity and lift has been presented and demonstrated. An investigation of the trade-off of more complex flow and pressure state solver options versus simple aerodynamic principles should be investigated in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA571333
Entities
People
- Roberto Albertani
Organizations
- Oregon State University