Many different boundary layer control techniques are used in ground vehicle aerodynamic testing including suction, blowing, ground-boards, and rolling roads. In this paper an alternative boundary layer control method is discussed. Low momentum flow in the boundary layer can be energized using circulation from a rotating cylinder protruding through the floor. A comparison study shows that this application, if effective, may be a more cost-efficient solution than current road vehicle boundary layer control techniques. A pilot tunnel test was performed in the WSU Boundary Layer Tunnel with the results showing a boundary layer profile with an initial momentum thickness of 0.098 in. could be reduced by 40-45% with rotational velocities of approximately 5000rpm. Following this successful test, a full scale test performed in the WSU Walter H. Beech Memorial Wind Tunnel demonstrated the feasibility of the concept. An initial momentum thickness of 0.1445 in. was reduced 29% with a rotational velocity of 3900rpm. The results found seem to indicate this technique would be a very viable option provided certain aspects including cylinder balance, sizing, and rotational velocity could be optimized in future testing. / Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering. / "December 2005."
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:WICHITA/oai:soar.wichita.edu:10057/760 |
| Date | 12 1900 |
| Creators | Farrell, Thomas Elmer |
| Contributors | Miller, L. Scott |
| Source Sets | Wichita State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1607509 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | Copyright Thomas Elmer Farrell, 2005. All rights reserved. |
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