The manipulation of trailing-edge vortices for an airfoil in plunging motion

Trailing-edge vortex manipulation has been investigated using particle image velocimetry (PIV) for an airfoil undergoing harmonic plunging superimposed with a pitching motion near the bottom of the stroke. The so-called quick-pitch motion has been evaluated through a comparison with a benchmark pure-sinusoidal plunge motion for Re = 30 000 and k = 0.25. It has been shown that the trailing-edge vortex circulation can be reduced by more than 60% for all quick-pitch cases. The reduction in trailing-edge vortex circulation has been achieved without diminishing the strength of the leading-edge vortex, thus maintaining the lift augmentation achieved through dynamic stall. The improvement over the benchmark case is then confirmed through a statistical analysis. Finally, an analysis of the flow separation over the airfoil shows that the various quick-pitch motions facilitate earlier flow reattachment at the bottom of the stroke. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.