Aerodynamic Force Modeling for Unsteady Wing Maneuvers

Abstract : We report on the development of an aerodynamic force model for a at-plate wing undergoing unsteady motions of surging, pitching, and the combination thereof in two- dimensional ow. This investigation aims to extend the conventional quasi-steady aero- dynamic theory to account for the influence of large-scale vortices generated from the massively separated ow at high angles of attack. A data set compiled from direct numerical simulation is used to develop the force model. Particular focus is placed on examining the influence of large-amplitude wing motion on the unsteady aerodynamics force. This is especially important since the resulting circulatory component of force is significant in size and is nonlinearly related to the ow field causing deviation from conventional aerodynamic theories. The present force model is constructed to predict the aerodynamic force on the body for the duration of the wing motion.