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The Leading-Edge Vortex of Swift Wings

Rowan Eveline Muir, Ignazio Maria Viola
doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/099713
Rowan Eveline Muir
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Ignazio Maria Viola
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1 Abstract

Recent investigations on the aerodynamics of natural fliers have illuminated the significance of the Leading-Edge Vortex (LEV) for lift generation in a variety of flight conditions. A well documented example of an LEV is that generated by aircraft with highly swept, delta shaped wings. While the wing aerodynamics of a manoeuvring aircraft, a bird gliding and a bird in flapping flight vary significantly, it is believed that this existing knowledge will serve to add understanding to the complex aerodynamics of natural fliers. In this investigation, the wing of a common swift Apus apus is simplified to a model with swept wings and a sharp leading-edge, making it readily comparable to a model delta shaped wing of the same leading-edge geometry. Particle image velocimetry provides an understanding of the effect of the tapering swift wing on LEV development and stability, compared with the delta wing model. For the first time a dual LEV is recorded on a swift shaped wing, where it is found across all tested conditions. It is shown that the span-wise location of LEV breakdown is governed by the local chord rather than Reynolds number or angle of attack. These findings suggest that the common swift is able to generate a dual LEV while gliding, potentially delaying vortex breakdown by exploiting other features non explored here, such as wing twist and flexibility. It is further suggested that the vortex system could be used to damp loading fluctuations, reducing energy expenditure, rather than for lift augmentation.

  • 2 List of Symbols and Abbreviations

    AR
    Aspect ratio (b2/S)
    b
    Span (m)
    c
    Local spanwise chord (m)
    cr
    Root chord (m)
    Cl
    Lift coefficient
    l
    Chordwise length of the wing (m)
    Re
    Reynolds number
    S
    Area (m2)
    U0
    Free stream velocity (ms−1)
    x
    Chordwise coordinate (m)
    α
    Angle of attack (deg.)
    Λ
    Sweep back angle (deg.)
    ω
    Chordwise vorticity (s−1)
    ω*
    Non-dimensional chordwise vorticity (ωc/U)
    LEV
    Leading-Edge Vortex
    MAV
    Micro air vehicle
    PIV
    Particle Image Velocimetry
  • Copyright 
    The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY 4.0 International license.
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    Posted January 16, 2017.
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    The Leading-Edge Vortex of Swift Wings
    Rowan Eveline Muir, Ignazio Maria Viola
    bioRxiv 099713; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/099713
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    The Leading-Edge Vortex of Swift Wings
    Rowan Eveline Muir, Ignazio Maria Viola
    bioRxiv 099713; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/099713

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