A panel method computation for oscillating aerofoil in compressible flow

Abstract

AbstractA panel method using source and doublet singularity has been proposed to solve for subcritical aerodynamics of a two dimensional steady and unsteady aerofoil. The source singularities are placed on the aerofoil surface. The doublet singularity is distributed by a function along the chordline of the aerofoil; this distribution is further projected downstream into infinity.The aerodynamics of an oscillating aerofoil is investigated. The governing unsteady linearized potential equation has a Hankel function as its fundamental solution, which is a source type function. A combination of source and doublet singularity is therefore used for solving the unsteady compressible problem by means of the panel method, this methodology being an extension of a steady aerofoil formulation. Incremental effects of profile change in aerofoil and wake geometry are accounted for. A surface boundary condition is applied on the stationary mean aerofoil surface with time dependent geometrical changes accounted for. An unsteady Kutta condition of equal pressure across the trailing edge is assumed. Results are presented on the aerodynamic influence of Mach number, oscillating frequency parameter, angle of incidence and change of pivoting point. Results are also compared with linear theory, a subsonic experimental result and a subcritical solution of a transonic model.