Experimental Aeroelastic Characterization of a Very Flexible Wing in Steady and Unsteady Inflow
C. Mertens (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J. Sodja (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
A. Sciacchitano (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
B.W. van Oudheusden (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
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Abstract
The aeroelastic response of a very flexible wing in steady and unsteady inflow conditions is measured in a wind tunnel experiment. An integrated aeroelastic characterization is performed with a non-intrusive optical setup that allows simultaneous measurements of the structural motion and the flow field around the wing. The experimental aerodynamic loads that are inferred from the flow field measurements are in very good agreement with reference data from a force balance. Prior to the wind tunnel experiment, results of the numerical modal analysis of a structural model of the wing are compared with the experimental results from a ground vibration test. An aeroelastic model validation is achieved by applying the experimental aerodynamic loads to the structural model of the wing. The results of this structural analysis are compared with the measured structural response in the wind tunnel for steady inflow conditions, yielding differences of around 15% in tip displacements when using a linear structural model.