Analysis of the Boundary Layer on a Highly Flexible Wing based on Infrared Thermography Measurements

Abstract

The effects of the wing shape distortion on the boundary layer of a highly flexible wing are analyzed in a wind tunnel experiment using infrared thermography measurements. Considerable differences in the boundary layer flow are observed for the sections of the wing near the ribs, where the design shape of the wing is preserved, and in between the ribs. At the spanwise locations between the ribs, the sectional wing shape distorts and triggers the boundary layer transition to turbulence close to the leading edge. The differences between the design behavior of the wing and the experimental results of the boundary layer analysis demonstrate the need for considering the shape deformation and its effects on the boundary layer flow when designing highly flexible wings.