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Dual leading-edge vortex structure for flow over a simplified butterfly model

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Abstract

The dye visualization experiments show that a dual leading-edge vortex (LEV) structure exists on the suction side of a simplified butterfly model of Papilio ulysses at α = 8°−12°. Furthermore, the results of particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement indicate that the axial velocity of the primary (outer) vortex core reaches the lower extreme value while a transition from a “wake-like” to a “jet-like” axial velocity profile occurs. The work reveals for the first time the existence of dual LEV structure on the butterfly-like forward-sweep wing configuration.

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Abbreviations

c :

Maximum chord length

d :

Distance from X′–Z′ coordinates plane to the left apex of the model

L :

Maximum span length

LEV:

Leading-edge vortex

MAVs:

Micro air vehicles

PIV:

Particle image velocimetry

Re :

Reynolds number

S :

Span of the X′–Z′ coordinates plane over the left forewing of the model

U :

Free-stream velocity

U core :

Mean axial velocity

WTV:

Wing-tip vortex

X–Y:

Coordinates plane of the top view

X′–Z′:

Coordinates plane of the section view

α :

Angle of attack

β :

Angle of sideslip

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) under grant No. 10425207.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Fluid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics Key Laboratory of Education Ministry, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 100191, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Y. Hu & J. J. Wang

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  1. Y. Hu
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  2. J. J. Wang
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Correspondence to J. J. Wang.

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Hu, Y., Wang, J.J. Dual leading-edge vortex structure for flow over a simplified butterfly model. Exp Fluids 50, 1285–1292 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-010-0990-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-010-0990-1

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