High Reynolds number flows for Aerospace and Automotive applications

Konstantinos Kontis, Wrik Mallik, Craig White

Under this research theme, we pioneer the investigation of novel and challenging high Reynolds flows for aerospace and automotive applications. We have developed multi-encapsulated Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma technologies, adaptive flap architectures, multi-functional materials, integrated system sensors and actuators with distributed control and health monitoring, and MDO approaches that have a major impact on a range of fluid systems with funding from the US Air Force/Navy, Jaguar Land Rover, Don-Bur (Bodies & Trailers) Ltd. and DSTL-MOD. The technologies have been demonstrated in S-ducts, SUVs, automotive platoons, and UAVs (tailless aircraft configurations) with the potential to replace heavy/awkward mechanical/passive actuation components, thus reducing manufacturing costs. We also aim to validate integrated Technologies and implement and deploy them.

Numerical simulations are also performed in this research theme for analysing flow over non-planar wing configurations leading to unique aeroelastic behaviour. Numerical flow simulations are often coupled with various adjoint-based and level set-based numerical optimisation solvers to perform aerodynamic shape optimisation of flexible wing configurations. AI/ML techniques are also employed to develop surrogate models of complex flow simulations for application in multi-fidelity optimisation.

Research topics in this theme include:

  • Aerodynamic design and optimisation of nonplanar lifting systems: We develop a deeper understanding of the aerodynamics of nonplanar planforms through wind tunnel testing and CFD at subsonic speeds looking at the dynamic characteristics at both steady and unsteady flow conditions. We explore novel concepts using multidisciplinary design optimisation tools.

  • S-shaped ducts
    offer advantages in the form of operational costs, fuel efficiency, and reduced noise pollution. They can also slow the air down faster than a straight duct resulting in shorter and lower-weight engine intakes. However, they introduce several undesirable flow features. Under this topic, we are using experimentation and flow control techniques to improve their performance.

  • Adaptive aerodynamic flow control of connected and automated vehicles for automotive applications: In collaboration with internal and external partners and industry, we explore novel concepts using wind tunnel testing, CFD, flow control with dynamic optimal control, and Digital Twins.

  • Aerodynamic and aeroelastic shape optimisation of flexible aircraft configurations: Non-planar and flexible wing aircraft configurations like the Truss-braced wing show complex aeroelastic instabilities like flutter and control reversal owing to wing flexibility and complex coupling of elastic vibration modes. Such aeroelastic instabilities are conventionally mitigated via structural stiffening, which not only increases wing weight but also reduces aerodynamic performance. The objective of this project is to develop novel shape optimisation and wing morphing methodologies, such that wing flexibility can be employed for mitigating aeroelastic instabilities without adversely affecting aerodynamic performance.

  • Computational analysis of dynamic stall and unsteady flow separation over flexible aircraft configurations: Next-generation aircraft configurations will mimic the flexible wing motion of biological fliers. Such unsteady motion will lead to massive flow separation and complex dynamical stall. Hig-fidelity computational analysis will be employed in this research to explore the complex physics of the unsteady separation for designing more efficient flexible aircraft configurations.

Our partners

US Air Force/Navy, Jaguar Land Rover, Don-Bur (Bodies & Trailers) Ltd., DSTL-MoD.

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