UNSTEADY AERODYNAMICS OF THE STARTING FLOW OF A PLATE OF SMALL ANGLES

. The unsteady dynamics of the starting flow of a flat plate is studied by using a vortex shedding model. The model describes the body and separated vortex from the trailing edge of the plate by vortex sheets, retaining a singularity at the leading edge. The model is applied to simulate the flow of an accelerated plate for small angles of attack. For numerical computations, we take two representative cases of the translational velocity of a plate: impulsive translation and uniform acceleration. The model successfully demonstrates the formation of wakes shed from the plate. The wake behind the plate is stronger for a larger angle of attack. Predictions for the lifting force from the model are in agreement with results of Navier-Stokes simulations.