22nd Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences, Harrogate, UK, 28 August - 1st September, 2000
Paper ICAS 2000-P2.7

DISC-WING AERODYNAMICS

J. R. Potts, W. J. Crowther
Fluid Mechanics Research Group, School of Engineering, University of Manchester, UK

Keywords: disc-wing, rotating bodies, fluorescent paint, smoke filaments, flow topology

An experimental investigation into the aerodynamics of a rotating disc-wing has been carried out in an open-circuit wind tunnel. The disc-wing considered has an axi-symmetric, approximately elliptic cross-section and hollowed out underside cavity. The forces and moments were measured for various flow speeds, spin rates over the incidence range -10° to 30°. Observations from fluorescent paint patterns and smoke filaments (flow visualisation techniques) have revealed the surface flow regime and flow field, respectively. The upper surface flow is characterised by separation at a line (arc) of constant radius on the leading edge rim, followed by reattachment at a line of similar geometry. Trailing vortices detach from the trailing edge rim. The cavity flow is characterised by separation at the leading edge lip, followed by straight-line reattachment. The aim of this research was to gain an understanding of the complex three-dimensional flow structures, which will enable the effective implementation of a flow control method, contributing towards the development of an unmanned air-vehicle or projectile.

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