Effect of sweep angle on three-dimensional vortex dynamics over plunging wings

TL;DR

This study investigates how sweep angle and reduced frequency influence vortex dynamics over plunging wings, revealing their effects on lift generation and vortex stability at Reynolds number 20,000, with implications for bio-inspired micro-air-vehicle design.

Contribution

It provides new insights into LEV behavior over swept wings at moderate Reynolds numbers using high-fidelity simulations, highlighting the impact of sweep angle and unsteady motion on vortex stability and lift.

Findings

Higher reduced frequency causes faster LEV detachment and convection.

Sweep angle influences the vortex breakdown mechanism.

Lift peaks are associated with vortex dynamics and unsteady motion.

Abstract

The effects of sweep angle and reduced frequency on the leading-edge vortex (LEV) structure over flapping swept wings in the Reynolds number ($Re$) range of $\mathbf{O}(10^4)$ are yet to be completely understood. With increasing interest in designing bio-inspired micro-air-vehicles (MAVs), understanding LEV dynamics in such scenarios is imperative. This study investigates the effects of three different sweep angles ($\Lambda = 0^\circ$, $30^\circ$ and $60^\circ$) on LEV dynamics through high-fidelity improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) to analyze the underlying flow physics. Plunge ramp kinematics at two different reduced frequencies ($k = 0.05$ and $0.4$) are studied to investigate the unsteady motion effects on LEV characteristics. The leading-edge suction parameter (LESP) concept is applied to determine LEV initiation, and the results are verified against flow field visualization for swept-wing geometries. The force partitioning method (FPM) is used to investigate the spanwise lift distribution resulting from the LEV. Distinct peaks in the lift coefficient occur for the high reduced frequency case due to the impulse-like plunging acceleration. This causes the LEV to detach from the leading edge more quickly and convect faster, significantly affecting the lift generated by the wing. As reduced frequency increases, the LEV breakdown mechanism switches from vortex bursting to LEV leg-induced instabilities. These results provide insights into the complex vortex structures surrounding swept wings at $Re = 20,000$, and the impact both sweep angle and reduced frequency have on the lift contribution of these flow features.