Discrete Vortex Method-Based Model for Ground-Effect Studies

Mondal, Partha and Balakrishnan, N (2014) Discrete Vortex Method-Based Model for Ground-Effect Studies. In: AIAA JOURNAL, 52 (12). pp. 2817-2828.

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Abstract

A discrete vortex method-based model has been proposed for two-dimensional/three-dimensional ground-effect prediction. The model merely requires two-dimensional sectional aerodynamics in free flight. This free-flight data can be obtained either from experiments or a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics solver. The first step of this two-step model involves a constrained optimization procedure that modifies the vortex distribution on the camber line as obtained from a discrete vortex method to match the free-flight data from experiments/computational fluid dynamics. In the second step, the vortex distribution thus obtained is further modified to account for the presence of the ground plane within a discrete vortex method-based framework. Whereas the predictability of the lift appears as a natural extension, the drag predictability within a potential flow framework is achieved through the introduction of what are referred to as drag panels. The need for the use of the generalized Kutta-Joukowski theorem is emphasized. The extension of the model to three dimensions is by the way of using the numerical lifting-line theory that allows for wing sweep. The model is extensively validated for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional ground-effect studies. The work also demonstrates the ability of the model to predict lift and drag coefficients of a high-lift wing in ground effect to about 2 and 8% accuracy, respectively, as compared to the results obtained using a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver involving grids with several million volumes. The model shows a lot of promise in design, particularly during the early phase.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	AIAA JOURNAL
Additional Information:	Copyright for this article belongs to the AMER INST AERONAUTICS ASTRONAUTICS, 1801 ALEXANDER BELL DRIVE, STE 500, RESTON, VA 22091-4344 USA
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Aerospace Engineering(Formerly Aeronautical Engineering)
Date Deposited:	12 Jan 2015 10:34
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2015 10:34
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/50628

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