Fluid Structure Interactions between unsteady shock waves and compliant materials for unsteady load mitigation
Abstract
The proposed work envisions a new paradigm of fluid structure interactions (FSI) in high-speed flows where the structural parameters can be designed to realize positive aerodynamic outcomes. The objective of the proposed work is to mitigate the unsteady tip shock loading in rotorcraft blades by favorablyexploiting FSI between an unsteady shock wave and a compliant layer added over the parent surface. The project goal is approached by a complementary experimental and computational approach that mutually augments one another. The test configuration is an unsteady shock-induced flow separation over acantilevered plate at low supersonic Mach numbers: this configuration broadly mimics the fluid-structure interactions near the tip of typical helicopter blades. The experiments will involve using a suite of multidimensional qualitative and quantitative diagnostic tools, which together provide detailed quantification of the unsteady shock load mitigation as well as the underlying FSI physics. Computational simulations will involve LES simulations of the flowfields investigated by the experiments as well as more practical flow situations that augment the experimental findings to rotorcraft flowfields.The project objective is deconstructed into the following specific goals: 1) quantify the unsteady shock load mitigation by the added compliant layers over a rigid plate at low Mach numbers and elucidate the underlying physics; 2) assess the unsteady shock load mitigation due to compliant layers added over typical elastic structures; and 3) quantify the effectiveness of the added compliant layer in more practical situations that involve highly distorted incoming boundary layer, and in the presence of periodic shock strength oscillations. The end deliverable of the proposed effort is an unprecedented understanding of the FSI interaction mechanisms and the quantification of the outcomes on unsteady shock loading mitigation, which can be used in making informed designs that favorably exploit the FSI phenomena. The findings of the project are expected to make a transformative impact on the future rotorcraft designs that incorporatesadvanced load mitigation strategies to expand their operating and performance envelope. In addition to rotorcrafts, the findings can also help with developing future high-speed aerial weaponry with reduced structural mass fraction and increased payload.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142112005
Entities
People
- Venkateswaran Narayanaswamy
Organizations
- North Carolina State University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy