Experimental Studies of Propeller Induced flow Over a Typical Micro Air Vehicle

摘要

An experimental study has been carried out to explore the effect of propeller induced slipstream on the flow field of a fixed wing micro air vehicle (MAV). Tests were conducted at freestream velocity of 10m/s, corresponding to Reynolds number based on root chord of about 160000. Flow pattern on the surface of MAV planform with propeller-on and off condition was captured using oil flow visualization at four angles of incidence. Mean flow field on the MAV planform at four chordwise planes with propeller-on and off condition were measured using stereo PIV technique at angle of incidence of 24°. Little difference has been seen on the oil flow pattern at 10° and 15° angle of incidence towards leading edge in the inboard region. Significant difference in flow field was observed at 24° between propeller-on and off condition. The induced slipstream from the propeller makes the flow more symmetric and well attached over the wing planform.