Investigation of aerodynamic characteristics of bio-inspired wing model in subsonic wind tunnel

This thesis study was carried out to examine the aerodynamic characteristics of the bio-inspired wing model in low Reynolds number air distribution. The high flight abilities and maneuverability of pterosaurs were used as the basis for conducting bio-inspired experiments. It was aimed to obtain aerodynamic analyzes of Pt01, Pt02 and Pt03 airfoils obtained from 3 different sections inspired by the fossil-based structure of the pterosaur wing in the open-loop subsonic wind tunnel located in the Wind Tunnel Laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department of Kütahya Dumlupınar University. In the study, aerodynamic forces and laminar formation separations affecting the wings were analyzed. This experiment was carried out with a force system, a smoke wire system as a flow imaging technique, and MiniCTA surface probes. The experiments are a structure created under different conditions by choosing Reynolds as 25000, 50000 and 75000. Aerodynamic force measurements and smoke imaging experiments were carried out in increments of 2 degrees, starting from 0 degrees and up to 20 degrees. Lift and drag force coefficients were determined in aerodynamic force measurements. The angles of attack at which the 3 airfoils had stall were determined and the aerodynamic force values obtained from the airfoils were compared with each other. By performing flow imaging analyzes with smoke wires, the behavior of the wind flow around the wings was visualized. These experiments were used to detect laminar, transitional and turbulent regions of the flow. In addition, the experimental results were used to obtain images regarding the location, size and formation of laminar separation bubbles (LSB). Experiments were carried out with MiniCTA to detect the regions of laminar separation bubbles (LSB) on the surfaces of airfoils. The data obtained revealed the size and location of separation bubbles (LSB) formed on the wing surface and their effects on the aerodynamic performance of the wings. Smoke images and experimental results with the MiniCTA surface probe were compared. It has been determined that the results are compatible with each other. This study aims to contribute to future design and optimization studies by highlighting the potential benefits of bio-inspired airfoils in terms of flow control and energy efficiency.