A computational and experimental investigation of incompressible oscillatory airfoil flow and flutter problems.

Abstract

In this thesis several incompressible oscillatory flow and flutter problems were investigated. First, a previously developed unsteady panel code was modified so that systematic comparisons with Theodorsen's classical theory could be accomplished. It was found that the panel code is in excellent agreement with the Theodorsen results. Second, the panel code was applied to the analysis of bending- torsion flutter. Again, general agreement with Theodorsen's flutter predictions was obtained. In the experimental part of the thesis two flow visualization experiments were performed. First, the vortical flow patterns generated by an airfoil executing harmonic plunge oscillations were visualized. In the second experiment, the interference effects between a stationary airfoil and a small vane executing plunge oscillations were explored.