COMPONENT
1
History of Aircraft Aerodynamics: Turbulence
Prediction and Control
The
science of aerodynamics was originally conceived about 2,500 years ago
in the Greek Empire. The first scientists proposed a variety of hypotheses
regarding the possibility of human flight, a feat that was not achieved
until the Wright Brothers’ renowned flight at Kitty Hawk, North
Carolina, in 1903.
Early aerodynamics were based upon qualitative observations and deductive
reasoning. The first true contributions to modern aerodynamic theory came
from such philosophers and scientists as Niccolo Tartaglia, Galileo, and
Leonardo da Vinci. These scientists based their ideas upon mathematical
knowledge and inductive observations, laying the foundation for the developing
science of physics.
Such individuals as Sir Isaac Newton, Christian Huygens, Sir George Cayley,
Frederick W. Lanchester, and Ludwig Prandtl, considered to be the “father
of modern aerodynamics, came up with what we now know as the principles
of physics and aerodynamics by converting former hypotheses into standard
mathematical notation. By combining the knowledge of the past with their
observations, they came up with what we now know to be the field of aerodynamics.
Other discoveries, such as the discovery of new branches of aerodynamics,
have only surfaced recently. Turbulence, for instance, has become a major
in-flight complication since the invention of the aircraft. Such factors
as wing design, body design, laminar flow control, and method of propulsion
have been modified to produce a smoother flight. As far as turbulence
prediction, most commercial products are limited to barometers, anemometers,
and computer atmospheric conditions surveillance.
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The
science of aerodynamics has impacted our society in immense ways. They
have improved human movement efficiency and created faster ways to ship
goods. However, even such a beneficial science has shortcomings. Turbulence,
the focus of our research project, is a complication caused by uncontrollable
and often unpredictable external forces. We aim to discover how to reduce
these factors.
Recent
Research
·
Hypersonic Flows
o One of the causes of turbulence is caused by unequal distribution
of air over cone-structured bodies. Hypersonic flow research is a type
of aerodynamics/fluid mechanics research designed to provide equal density
and air distribution, significantly reducing turbulence.
o This project was funded by the German Aerospace Center.
o The principal investigator of this project is Prof. Dr. Cord C.
Rossow.
o This project was conducted at the Institute of Aerodynamics and
Flow Control.
· Aircraft Turbulence Simulation
o Turbulence is often a difficult phenomenon to predict. Aircraft
Turbulence Simulators provide a prediction with a reliable degree of accuracy.
By inputting external conditions and variables, the program calculates
how turbulence will affect an aircraft. This can prevent potentially dangerous
situations and allow pilots to prepare for them.
o This project was funded by the German Aerospace Center.
o The principal investigator of this project is Prof. Dr. Andreas
Dillmann.
o This project was conducted at the Institute of Aerodynamics and
Flow Control.
· Particle Tracking in Turbulence
o Extreme turbulence can cause particles to flow rapidly in
unpredictable and abnormal patterns. By radioactively highlighting several
particles in a controlled environment, researchers can track the movement
of the particles under different conditions using a silicon-strip device.
They intend to document the patterns they notice in particle movement
and use them to predict how air particles might act under differing pressures,
at different velocities, etc.
o This project was funded by the National Science Foundation.
o The principal investigator of this project is Prof. Jim Alexander.
o This project was conducted at the Physics Department at Cornell
University.
How
the Study of Aerodynamics Has Influenced Scientific Knowledge
The
discovery of aerodynamics has led to the discovery and development of
many modern branches of science. Aerodynamics laid much of the original
foundation for physics. Also, the science of aerodynamics is split into
over one hundred branches of research.
The study of how air resistance affects the movement of an object in space
has led to many architectural, military, and travel-related developments.
The invention of the aircraft, precision-guided missile, and skyscraper
can all be attributed to aerodynamic research.
With all of aerodynamics’ current applications, it appears to be
one of today’s most promising fields of study for future learning
and development.
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