INVESTIGATION OF UNSTEADY EXCITATION EFFECTS ON AERODYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF AIRFOILS

In this paper, the techniques to manage and control the flow over airfoils by using the external unsteady excitations are investigated. The mechanisms of these excitation effects are also explored. The principal goal of this study is to gain a better understanding and to find the possible ways for enhancing the aerodynamic efficients. The experimental investigations are carried out in two low-speed wind tunnels. The test models are two dimensional airfoils with different section geometries. Four means of excitations have been used in these experiments. (1) The pitch oscillation of the airfoil high-angle-of-attack situation. (2) The moving surface effects of the airfoil with a leading edge rotating cylinder. (3) Oscillating leading edge flaperon. (4) Small oscillating spoiler located near the leading edge of the airfoil. The lift, drag and pitch moment coefficients are measured in these experiments. But, we will put the emphasis only on the "dynamic amplifying effects" on aerodynamic lift in this paper.