On the Influence of Pitching and Acceleration on Vortex Dynamics Around Low-Aspect-Ratio Rectangular Wings

Abstract : In the present study, we use numerical simulations to investigate the three-dimensional flows over low-aspect-ratio at plates undergoing two canonical motions at low Reynolds numbers. The first motion is defined by the at plate initially translating at 0deg incidence that pitches to 45deg about its leading edge. The second motion consists of the at plate at a constant 45deg incidence in a quiescent fluid, where the plate accelerates up to a constant velocity. The focus of this study is to investigate the influence of these simplified motions on the unsteady vortex dynamics, specifically the formation and evolution of the leading- edge, trailing-edge, and tip vortices over the low-aspect-ratio plate. A parameter study of Reynolds number, aspect ratio and pitch rate is performed to further understand the effect of these motions on the complex flow field.