Date of Award:

5-2015

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Warren F. Phillips

Committee

Warren F. Phillips

Committee

Steven L. Folkman

Committee

Douglas F. Hunsaker

Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed in order to compare the solutions of oscillating wings with Prandtl’s lifting-line theory. Quasi-steady and steady-periodic simulations were completed using the CFD software Star-CCM+. Quasi-steady simulations were completed for both twodimensional and three-dimensional setups. The steady-periodic simulations were only performed using a three-dimensional setup. The simulations were performed for nine separate frequencies in a pure plunging setup. An additional four simulations were then completed using a setup of combined pitching and plunging at four separate frequencies. Results from the CFD simulations were compared to the quasi-steady lifting-line solution in the form of the axial-force, normal-force, power, and thrust coefficients, as well as the efficiency obtained for each simulation. The mean values were evaluated for each simulation and compared to the quasi-steady lifting-line solution.

It was found that as the frequency of oscillation increased, the quasi-steady lifting-line solution was decreasingly accurate in predicting solutions. It was also observed that the thrust was generated only by plunging, not pitching of the wing in the simulations.

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9c42d143ab8cffbbae9805a0a3fe3fa7

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