Investigation on the Effect of Aerofoil Wingtips on Vortex and Wake Formation Using Particle Image Velocimetry

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of different aerofoil wingtips and how they result in different vortex formations. This will be analysed using P.I.V, which is Particle Image Velocimetry. Three different designs will be used: a flat plate, a filleted tip, and an endplate. Each of these designs was tested in a wind tunnel under the same testing conditions, making it a controlled experiment. The goal of this experiment is to analyse velocity planes and vorticity maps, and to see how different wingtips reduce vortex spread. The results demonstrate that using a filleted wingtip provides the best aerodynamic outcomes in a straight line, as it enables the reduction of vortex strength, provides more area for the pressure, and does not roll up into a low-velocity concentrated vortex, but has a clockwise vortex with a vorticity of -16.6(1/s). This enables a reduction in induced and pressure drag, as it reduces the pressure difference between the front and rear of the wingtip. This is because having a higher peak vorticity value represents a smaller, tighter vortex affecting a smaller volume of the surrounding environment.