Bio-Inspired Flow Separation Control on a Finite Wing during Dynamic Motion

The effect of alula-like vortex generator to control flow separation on a bio-inspired finite span tapered wing was explored through a series of wind tunnel experiments. Aerodynamic measurements during static and dynamic conditions were acquired, along with surface oil flow visualizations, on several alula-like vortex generator configurations. The effect of the alula deflection angle was tested in pitch, roll and yaw and combinations of all three. The investigation included discovering the effects the alula has when combined with dynamic motions such as sinusoidal motions or ramp-up/ramp-down motions. The goal of the present research is to obtain baseline data to characterize the transitory behavior observed once the alula has been deployed. In order to do this, a model using a bio-inspired flow control actuator that resembles the alula found in birds was designed to determine the optimum alula deflection angle and deflection time for future modeling of dynamic alula actuators.