Mimicking the humpback whale: An aerodynamic perspective. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aftab, S.M.A.; Razak, N.A.; Mohd Rafie, A.S.; Ahmad, K.A.
• Is Part Of: Progress in aerospace sciences. Volume 84(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 48
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: AoA Angle of Attack -- AGI Airfoil Gust Interaction -- CAA Computational Aero Acoustic -- CFD Computational Fluid Dynamics -- DDLE Dynamically Deformed Leading Edge -- DES Direct Eddy Simulation -- HWAT Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine -- LDV Laser Doppler Velocimetry -- LES Large Eddy Simulation -- LEV Leading Edge Vortex -- MAV Micro-Air Vehicle -- MOGA Multi-Objective Generic Algorithm -- NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration -- OpenFOAM Open Source Field Operation And Manipulation -- PIV Particle Image Velocimetry -- PNLLT Prandtl's Nonlinear Lifting Line Theory -- RANS Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes -- SLE Straight Leading Edge -- SMA Shape Memory Alloys -- TLE Tubercle Leading Edge -- VG Vortex Generators; Biomimetics -- Low Reynolds number aerodynamics -- Humpback whale tubercles -- Leading edge flow control; Aeronautics -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Aéronautique -- Périodiques; Astronautique -- Périodiques; 629.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paerosci.2016.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0376-0421

Abstract

Abstract: This comprehensive review aims to provide a critical overview of the work on tubercles in the past decade. The humpback whale is of interest to aerodynamic/hydrodynamic researchers, as it performs manoeuvres that baffle the imagination. Researchers have attributed these capabilities to the presence of lumps, known as tubercles, on the leading edge of the flipper. Tubercles generate a unique flow control mechanism, offering the humpback exceptional manoeuverability. Experimental and numerical studies have shown that the flow pattern over the tubercle wing is quite different from conventional wings. Research on the Tubercle Leading Edge (TLE) concept has helped to clarify aerodynamic issues such as flow separation, tonal noise and dynamic stall. TLE shows increased lift by delaying and restricting spanwise separation. A summary of studies on different airfoils and reported improvement in performance is outlined. The major contributions and limitations of previous work are also reported.