Numerical investigation of a vortex gust impinging on a lightweight wing*

This project computationally explores the kinematic response of a passively mounted wing impacted by a vortex gust. It is motivated by modern aircraft, which utilize flexible and lightweight materials to improve efficiency but are more susceptible to flow disturbances and gusts due to slender wings and low mass. In place of a theoretical vortex profile, the vortex is generated through an upstream airfoil with a prescribed heave and pitch profile. Numerical simulations at a Reynolds number of 1000 were conducted across a range of vortex-generation profiles. A coherent vortex is generated with a horizontal trajectory accompanied by a shear layer extending obliquely, serving to isolate the vortex gust. The vortex trajectory and strength are compared with experimental flume tests under similar configurations. The resulting motion of the downstream foil, in terms of its kinematic heave and pitch motion induced by the gust, is investigated and discussed for various vortex sizes and trajectories.