Smoke Flow visualization

over delta wing

 Abstract
For centuries, fluid flow has been studied in various ways and today, fluid flow is still an
important field of research. Gaseous flows are studied for the development of cars, aircraft,
and spacecraft, and also for the design of machine such as turbines and combustion engines.
Here, in our experiment we are using visualizing flow over delta wing using laser light
illumination technique in which a smoke-probe is utilized to generate heavy smoke upstream
side, which then passes over the model. A section of the flow is then made visible using a laser-
light sheet. This techniques helps us to study the flow on top of the model. A video recording
of the flow is done and when played at slow speed, provides qualitative information about the
flow.[1]

Apparatus Required
 Wind Tunnel
 Model of a Delta wing
 Smoke flow setup ( Smoke generator + Laser-sheet setup)

Introduction
Smoke flow visualization is a qualitative measurement technique used to analyze flow
behaviour. The smoke follows the air currents, allowing the observer to visualize the flow. A
smoke generator is placed at the intake of wind-tunnel. From this the smoke is fed to the wind-
tunnel. The smoke enters the test-section as a jet. The smoke moves with the air and deform,
describing the flow behaviour. The ability to see flow pattern on a model often gives insight
into an observation of an aerodynamic phenomenon.

Theory
The underlying physics of the vortex structure above a delta wing planform, and more
particularly the process by which the flow field undergoes the rapid transition referred to as
vortex breakdown, has been a topic of concern for many years in the aerospace field. At high
angles of attack, the boundary layer which curves upward and roils into a core of high vorticity
on the top side of the wing. Each of the two counter-rotating vortices also contain axial flow
components in the central core regions, around and along which the fluid spirals. This axial flow
can attain velocities up to three times the freestream value.

Additional span-wise outflow induced on the upper surface beneath the coiled vortex sheet.
The fluid separates from the surface as it approaches the leading edge to form the so called
"secondary vortices", main effect of the secondary vortex is to displace the primary vortex
upwards and inwards. The size and strength of the primary vortex increases with angle of
incidence. It becomes the dominant steady flow feature through a wide range of practical flight
altitudes. The acceleration of the flow in these vortices results in an incremental lift termed the
"vortex" or "nonlinear" lift. As much as 30% of the total wing lift is attributable to the pressure
distribution created on the wing surface by the leading edge vortices.[2]

Procedure
 The slender delta wing is fixed in an appropriate position.
 The smoke generator is turner on.
 Wind tunnel fan is turned on.
 A sheet of light is produced by laser to visualize the vortices over the wing planform.

Analysis of Result

Leading edge vortices visualized with the help of laser sheet.

The flow over delta wing is being visualized by illuminating smoke particles by laser sheet.
The core of the vortices can be seen clearly. The vortices observed are not symmetric which
 may have been caused due to certain errors and imperfections like edges not being sharp,
delta wing not perfectly placed, errors in flow inside wind tunnel etc.

Vortex breakdown near trailing edge.

Discussion
Vortex over the delta wing is observed successfully using smoke flow and laser sheet inside
wind tunnel. There are certain limitations to the smoke flow visualization. Some of them are:-
1. The flow velocity must not be very high.
2. The smoke particles should not stick to the surface of model or walls of test-section.
Smoke flow visualization gives only qualitative analysis of flow.

References
[1] https://www.ara.bme.hu/oktatas/tantargy/NEPTUN/BMEGEATMG01/2014-2015-
II/labor/MSc_H04/irodalom/14_Mahmood2011.pdf
[2] https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19910014796.pdf
[3]
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vidyadhar_Mudkavi/publication/37180546_The_pheno
menon_of_vortex_breakdown/links/5557850408aeaaff3bf770cf/The-phenomenon-of-vortex-
breakdown.pdf

Questions
Q. Discuss different methods of flow visualization.
A. Surface flow visualization: This involves use application of tufts, dyes or special clay mixtures
on the surface of the model which gives information about boundary layer formation.
Transitions, regions of separated flow. This does not give information about the free stream
parameters.
Off-the-surface visualization: Involves tracers as smoke particles, oil droplets or helium filled
soap bubbles. These require addition lightening and recording.
Optical methods: Shadowgraph, Schlieren techniques, interferometry are used to visualize
compressible flows.

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of smoke flow visualization?

A. Advantages:-

 It is cheaper.
Disadvantages:-

 Flow speed should be low.

 It can leave residue on model.
 Must be deployed at proper location according to the flow.
Q. What are advantages and disadvantages of using delta wing as lifting surface over a
conventional wing?
A. Advantages:-

 Efficiency in all flight regimes.

 High maneuverability.
 Structural strength.
 Delayed stall.
Disadvantages:-

 High lift induced drag.

 Should have high angle of attack at low speeds.
Q. What kind of vortices were generated for the flow over the delta wing? Discuss separately.
A. At high angles of attack, the boundary layer which curves upward and roils into a core of high
vorticity on the top side of the wing. Each of the two counter-rotating vortices also contain axial
flow components in the central core regions, around and along which the fluid spirals. This axial
flow can attain velocities up to three times the freestream value.
Q. What do you infer from the observation of the vortices over a delta wing at the lower and
higher angle of attack?
A. The breakdown of vortices is like separation of 2-D boundary layer. At lower AoA, breakdown
occurred near trailing edge. At high AoA, it occurred near leading edge.
Q. The pair of vortices you saw was symmetric or asymmetric? Explain why?
A. The vortices seen were asymmetric which may have been caused due to certain errors and
imperfections like edges not being sharp, delta wing not perfectly placed, errors in flow inside
wind tunnel etc.
Q. What is vortex breakdown and why does it occur? Elaborate on the different modes of vortex
breakdown.
A. Also known as vortex bursting, the phenomenon of vortex breakdown occurs sometimes in
vortex filaments such as trailing vortices. This is an abrupt change of structure which sometimes
occurs in a swirling flow.
Vortex breakdown occurs in two distinct types:-
1. Bubble or axisymmetric type: There is a rapid expansion of the core forming a bubble-
like structure that is nearly axisymmetric.
2. Spiral type: The vortex centerline deforms into a spiral without any appreciable growth
in core size.[3]