Flow pattern and lift evolution of hydrofoil with control of electro-magnetic forces

Abstract

The initial responses and evolutions of the flow pattern and lift coefficient of a hydrofoil under the action of electro-magnetic (Lorentz) force have been studied experimentally and numerically, and trace particle methods are employed for them. With the introduction of BVF (boundary vortex flux), the quantitative relation among Lorentz forces, BVF and lifts is deduced. The influences of flow patterns on the hydrofoil lift coefficient have been discussed based on the BVF distribution, and the flow control mechanism of Lorentz force for a hydrofoil has been elucidated. Our results show that the flow pattern and lift of the hydrofoil vary periodically without any force. However, with the action of streamwise Lorentz forces, the separation point on the hydrofoil surface moves backward with a certain velocity, which makes the flow field steady finally. The streamwise Lorentz force raises the foil lift due to the increase of BVF intensity. On the other hand, Lorentz force also increases the hydrofoil surface pressure, which makes the lift decrease. However, the factor leading to the lift enhancement is determinant, therefore, the Lorentz force on the suction side can increase the lift, and the stronger the Lorentz force, the larger the lift enhancement. Our results also show that the localized Lorentz force can also both suppress the flow separation and increase the hydrofoil lift coefficient, furthermore, the Lorentz force located on the tail acts better than that located on the front.