Sectional analysis of revolving wings: Effect of leading-edge and trailing-edge vortices

The role of leading-edge vortex (LEV) in lift generation for revolving wings is not well-understood. We aim to discern the effect of LEVs and TEVs on revolving flat and twisted wings through a detailed analysis of planar flow in the wing sections. We present a simple quasi-two-dimensional model to estimate the lift distribution over the wingspan by coupling the potential flow and lifting line theory (modified to incorporate the effect of wing rotation) and incorporating the presence of vortices. This semi-analytical model estimates a fairly accurate sectional force trend for low-moderate AoA at each wing section and subsequently the net lift force developed on the wing. Three-dimensional numerical simulations verify the developed theory. The present results underscore the role of LEVs and TEVs in the mechanism of lift generation. Furthermore, the proposed theoretical model serves as a non-intrusive method to estimate the lift distribution over the wingspan from a three-dimensional velocity field. (C) 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.