Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
5-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Isaac Choutapalli
Second Advisor
Dr. Stephen W. Crown
Third Advisor
Dr. Nicolas Pereyra
Abstract
Recently, much focus has been on comprehending the aerodynamic properties associated with the humpback whales pectoral fin. The perturbations found on its leading edge are believed to attribute to the humpbacks maneuverability significantly. These tubercles are assumed to be analogous to strakes on an aircraft, which generate large-scale vortices. More specifically, the vortices prompted by the leading edge increase the momentum exchange within the boundary layer, allowing the flow to remain attached at higher angles of attack, thus delaying stall and in turn increase lift by a passive means of reducing drag. The focus of this investigation is on characterizing the aerodynamics associated with two-dimensional tubercle treated airfoils. Experiments were conducted over a range of angles of attack with incoming Reynolds number varying from 200,000 – 2,400,000. Flow visualization images are presented along with wake velocity profiles, drag coefficients, and theoretical lift coefficient related to the test models under investigation.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2015 Oscar Hernandez. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/aerodynamic-flow-field-characterization-airfoils/docview/1708672476/se-2?accountid=7119