Dynamic stall analysis utilizing interactive computer graphics

Abstract

A Navier-Stokes problem solver, developed by L. N. Sankar, is modified to provide dynamic, interactive graphical presentations of predicted flow field solutions about a NACA-0012 airfoil section oscillating in pitch, in order to demonstrate the capabilities of dynamic graphics applications in the study of complex, unsteady flows. Flow field solutions in the form of pressure coefficient and stream function contour plots about an airfoil experiencing dynamic stall are plotted utilizing an IRIS 3000-series workstation and Graphical Animation System (GAS) software, developed by Sterling Software for NASA. These full cycle solutions in conjunction with dynamic surface pressure distribution plots and integrated lift, pitching moment and full cycle solutions, in conjunction with dynamic surface pressure distribution plots and integrated lift, pitching moment and drag coefficient data, are compared to existing experimental data in order to provide an indication of the validity of the code's far-field solution. Full procedural documentation is maintained in order to provide an efficient analysis tool for use in future oscillating airfoil studies planned by the NASA-Ames Fluid Mechanics Laboratory and the Naval Postgraduate School Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Keywords: Dynamic stall, Computer graphics, IRIS, Flow visualization, Theses. (jes)