Stefan Puttinger, Andreas Mehrle, Walter Meile, Philipp Gittler,
"Numerical optimization and experimental investigations on the principle of the vortex diffuser"
, in American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: 27th AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Conference, 2009
Original Titel:
Numerical optimization and experimental investigations on the principle of the vortex diffuser
Sprache des Titels:
Englisch
Original Buchtitel:
27th AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Conference
Original Kurzfassung:
The present work deals with numerical optimization of and experimental studies on aft
mounted wing tip devices, so called vortex diffusers. The purpose of most kinds of wing
tip devices is to reduce the induced drag by converting vortex energy into thrust. In order
to obtain an optimal design for the vortex diffuser, the parameterized diffuser blade shape
is optimized with respect to axial thrust within the framework of lifting line theory. Finite
airfoil performance is accounted for by applying lift and drag coefficients from wind tunnel
data. The so gained optimal design for the vortex diffuser blades is realized on a small
scale model, and wind tunnel tests are carried out to investigate drag reduction of the
vortex diffuser for comparison with numerical results. Furthermore, the goal is to gain
some experience and data for preparation of real flight testing on a UAV. Experiments
clearly show that the vortex diffuser is able to reduce drag in high lift / high angle of
attack configurations. Wind tunnel tests, however, also demonstrate some problems for
practical design of the vortex diffuser.