Acquisition of Instrumentation to Investigate Wake-Vortex Interactions
Abstract
Wake-vortex interactions are of practical importance. The flow physics of these complex interactions continue to be studied for better understanding. It is proposed to procure a 4-camera based volumetric PIV system. The instrumentation procured under the proposed grant will support research into understanding these important phenomena. Two specific configurations will be studied using the instrumentation. The first one is understanding the vortex breakdown phenomenon over slender and non-slender delta wings and interactions with a distributed propulsion configuration. This fluid dynamic phenomenon can have important implications when coupled with current propulsive configurations such as distributive propulsion systems. There is limited archival research available on such a closely coupled flow field. The current thrust towards unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) which have delta wing configurations and distributed propulsion configurations further increases the need to understand this closely coupled phenomenon. The second problem that will be studied is the reduction of wake width through vortex manipulation of the axial vortices using passive surface modifications and their interaction with the von Karman vortex field. The periodicity of the large-scale structures of wake can also be used in several applications such as energy harvesting. Understanding the flow physics of wakes in general and bluff-body wakes in particular, is essential for developing strategies to either mitigate or utilize the effects of the wake flow characteristics. The proposed project will focus on passive strategies through surface geometry manipulations to influence the flow characteristics of the wake. At Reynolds number of practical interest wake flow of bluff bodies is a time dependent phenomenon. Thus, to develop an accurate understanding of the physics of these flows, measurements to map the flow field therefore must consider their time dependency. Most of the data currently available is either time-averaged or phase-averaged which does not capture the time-dependency accurately. The three-dimensional volumetric characteristics are developed from slices of the flow field captured at different times. Time-accurate volumetric measurements are therefore needed to resolve time dependent organized structures of the flow. The second piece of equipment is a low speed 1ftx1ftx2ft wind tunnel which along with the PIV system will be used for introducing the undergraduate students to state of the art fluid dynamics research. Tuskegee University is the only HBCU with an ABET accredited undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program. Over the years it continues to produce the largest number of African-American aerospace engineers in the United States. The enhancement in the research and educational infrastructure planned under this proposal will provide an excellent opportunity to our undergraduate students to be involved with contemporary aspects of experimental fluid dynamics and also exemplify to them the increasingly integrative approach towards flight vehicle design and the use of modern experimental techniques. The proposal if funded will enhance the ability of the Department to provide enriched learning experiences to the undergraduate students enrolled in various laboratory courses as well as provide research opportunities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110168
Entities
People
- Mohammad Wahiduzzaman Khan
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Tuskegee University