A new method for predicting the vortex induced aerodynamic characteristics of a body of revolution

Abstract

The problem of mathematically modelling the symmetric vortex pair formed on the lee side of a body of revolution at moderate incidence to the freestream direction is addressed with a view to predicting its aerodynamic characteristics. The objective being to develop a model simple enough to enable rapid calculation whilst maintaining acceptable levels of accuracy. Existing techniques are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses evaluated. The physics of the flow are explored with an emphasis on its three dimensional aspects. Experimental results, including surface pressure tapping data and flow visualisation, are used to investigate the nature of the flow. To gain a deeper insight into the flow processes less measurable experimentally, Navier-Stokes solutions are examined in considerable detail. The mechanisms of vorticity generation and propagation are explored. A simple mathematical model is presented, based upon an extension to slender body theory, which predicts aerodynamic characteristics that compare well with experiment.