ANALYTICAL MODEL FOR LEADING-EDGE VORTEX LIFT ON ROTATING SAMARA SEEDS: DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION

摘要

This article focuses on the development of a simple analytical aerodynamic model capable of describing the effect of Leading-Edge Vortices (LEVs) on the lift of samara wings. This was based on an adaptation of Polhamus' method to predict the lift function implemented in a numerical blade-element model for a rotating Samara blade. Furthermore, wind tunnel experiments were conducted to validate the numerical blade element model. The final results showed very good agreement between the developed numerical model and the experimental measurements in the prediction of samara wing rotational speed and rate of descent. This research furthered the understanding of the aerodynamic behaviour and modelling of LEVs on samara seeds for performance-prediction and could ultimately be used in the design of rotary micro-air vehicles.