On the non-intrusive evaluation of fluid forces with the momentum equation approach

The aim of this paper is to discuss the advantages and difficulties linked with the experimental application of the momentum equation approach as a non-intrusive way to predict the unsteady loads experienced by an airfoil in motion. First, in order to evaluate the influence of the varying parameters relative to the calculation of the corresponding drag and lift coefficients, numerical flow fields obtained by means of DNS are used. The comprehension of the impact of the spatial and temporal resolutions, velocity accuracy or third velocity component on the estimation of forces allows us to quantify the accuracy of the approach and helps in specifying the parameters setting which could lead to a consistent experimental application. In a second step, the approach is applied to experimental flow fields measured through the use of time resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV). A low Reynolds number flow around an impulsively started airfoil is considered. The loads and vorticity flow fields are correlated and compared with those obtained by DNS.