Hostname: page-component-7b7567c8c-fvjsw Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-12T19:25:01.211Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Scale effects on a single-element inverted wing in ground effect

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2016

J. Correia,
L. S. Roberts,
M. V. Finnis and
K. Knowles
L. S. Roberts
Affiliation:
Aeromechanical Systems Group, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, UK
M. V. Finnis
Affiliation:
Aeromechanical Systems Group, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, UK
K. Knowles
Affiliation:
Aeromechanical Systems Group, Cranfield University, Shrivenham, UK
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the 'Save PDF' action button.

A study was conducted on a GA(W)-1 wing in order to investigate the effect of testing inverted wings in ground effect at low Reynolds numbers. The wing was tested at a range of ground clearances and Reynolds numbers and results showed that the wing’s performance was dependent on both these parameters. Surface flow-visualisation and numerical simulation results highlighted the existence of a laminar separation bubble on the wing’s suction surface. The results also indicated that both the bubble’s length and the onset of separation were sensitive to ground clearance and Reynolds number. Attempts were made to minimise the wing’s Reynolds number dependency by using transition strips on the suction surface. The transition strip results highlighted the influence that a laminar separation bubble has on the overall performance of the wing and how its presence alters the force enhancement and reduction mechanisms on an inverted wing in ground effect.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 118 , Issue 1205 , July 2014, pp. 797 - 809
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2014 

References

1. Mabey, D.G. A review of scale effects in unsteady aerodynamics, Prog Aerospace Sci, 1991, 28, pp 273–321.Google Scholar
2. Braslow, A. and Knox, E. Simplified method for determination of critical height of distributed roughness particles for boundary-layer transition at Mach numbers from 0 to 5, Technical Note 4363, NACA, Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1958.Google Scholar
3. Tani, I. Low-speed flow involving bubble separations, Progress in Aeronautical Sciences, 1964, 5, pp 70–103.Google Scholar
4. Liebeck, R. and Blackwelder, R. Low Reynolds number – separation bubble, University of Southern California, Final Technical Report for contract N00014-84-K-0500 (Available from Defense Technical Information Center as AD-A199 378), 1987.Google Scholar
5. Mueller, T.J. and Batill, S.M. Experimental studies of separation on a two-dimensional airfoil at low Reynolds numbers, AIAA J, 1982, 20, (4), pp 457–463.Google Scholar
6. Genc, M.S., Karasu, I. and Acikel, H.H. An experimental study on the aerodynamics of NACA2415 aerofoil at low Re numbers, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Sciences, 2012, 39, pp 252–264.Google Scholar
7. Diwan, S. and Ramesh, O.N. Laminar separation bubbles: dynamics and control, Sadhana – Indian Academy of Sciences Proceedings in Engineering Sciences, 2007, 32, Part 1 and 2, pp 103–109.Google Scholar
8. Zerihan, J. and Zhang, X. Aerodynamics of a single element wing in ground effect, 38th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV, USA. AIAA Paper 2000-0650, AIAA, 2000.Google Scholar
9. Knowles, K., Donoghue, D.T. and Finnis, M.V. A study of wings in ground effect. Proc. RAeS Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics, Loughborough, UK, 1994, pp 22.1–22.13.Google Scholar
10. Ranzenbach, R. and Barlow, J.B. Two-dimensional airfoil in ground effect, an experimental and computational study, Motorsports Engineering Conference and Exposition, Dearborn, MI, USA, SAE Paper 942509, 1994.Google Scholar
11. Ranzenbach, R. and Barlow, J.B. Cambered airfoil in ground effect- wind tunnel and road conditions, AIAA 13th Applied Aerodynamics Conference, San Diego, CA, USA, AIAA Paper 95-1909, 1995.Google Scholar
12. Ranzenbach, R. and Barlow, J. Cambered airfoil in ground effect – an experimental and computational study. In International Congress and Exposition, Vehicle Aerodynamics: Wind Tunnel, CFD, Aeroacoustics, and Ground Transportation Systems, Detroit, MI, USA, SAE Paper 960909, 1996.Google Scholar
13. Jasinski, W. and Selig, M. Experimental study of open-wheel race-car front wings, Motorsports Engineering Conference and Exposition, Dearborn, MI, USA, SAE Paper 983042, 1998.Google Scholar
14. Zerihan, J. and Zhang, X. A single element wing in ground effect; comparisons of experiments and computation, In 39th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV, USA, AIAA Paper 2001-0423, 2001.Google Scholar
15. Zhang, X., Zerihan, J., Ruhrmann, A. and Deviese, M. Tip vortices generated by a wing in ground effect, In 11th International Symposium on Applications of Laser Techniques to Fluid Mechanics, Lisbon, Portugal, IST, 2002.Google Scholar
16. Molina, J. and Zhang, X. Aerodynamics of oscillating wings in ground effect, 48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition, Orlando, FL, USA. AIAA Paper 2010-318, 2010.Google Scholar
17. Beves, C.C., Barber, T.J. and Leonardi, E. Airfoil flow separation suppression using dimples, The Aeronaut J, 2011, 115, (1168), pp 335–344.Google Scholar
18. Knowles, K. and Finnis, M.V. Development of a new open-jet wind tunnel and rolling road facility, in 2nd MIRA International Conference on Vehicle Aerodynamics, Coventry, UK, 20-21 October 1998.Google Scholar
19. von Doenhoff, A.E. and Horton, E.A. A low-speed experimental investigation of the effect of a sandpaper type of roughness on boundary-layer transition, NACA Rep 1349, 1958.Google Scholar
20. van Ingen, J.L. A suggested semi-empirical method for the calculation of boundary layer transition region, Report Nos. V.T.H-71, Report V.T.H.-74 (in English), Delft, The Netherlands, 1956.Google Scholar
21. Smith, A.M.O. and Gamberoni, N. Transition, pressure gradient and stability theory, Proc. 9th Int. Congr. Appl. Mech, John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, UK, 1956.Google Scholar
22. White, F.M. Viscous Fluid Flow, New York, USA, McGraw-Hill, 1974.Google Scholar