Abstract:
Leading edge vortices (LEVs) are ubiquitous in unsteady and high-angle-of-attack aerodynamics, and are observed in a wide range of aerodynamic structures, including aggressively maneuvering aircraft, rotorcraft and gas turbine blades, wind turbines, and insect wings. It is well-established that rotating wings and blades have a greater propensity to maintain an attached LEV than translating wings. The behavior is often attributed to the effects of rotational accelerations in the non-inertial reference frame, and centrifugal pumping within the vortex. This presentation will address the formation and evolution of LEVs from the perspective of vorticity transport, and the budget of circulation for the leading-edge vortex system formed on a wing articulated within a free stream. In this context, we will discuss the impact of non-inertial accelerations, as well as other sources and sinks of vorticity supporting vortex development, and provide some insights on control of the LEV.
Bio:
James Buchholz is an Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and an Associate Research Engineer in IIHR – Hydroscience & Engineering at the University of Iowa. He received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada (1995, 1997) and a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University (2006). He received an AFOSR Young Investigator Award in 2011. Dr. Buchholz’ research interests include vortex dynamics of high-angle-of attack and unsteady wings and blades, ship airwakes, and other bluff-body flows.
Host: Professor Leo Chamorro
