Acquisition of Swept Aerodynamic Data by the Consecutive Changing of Wing Model Configuration in a Wind Tunnel Test Using Remote Feedback Control

This study conducted wind tunnel tests with consecutive deflection angle changes on a three-dimensional (3D) wing with a control surface to procure aerodynamic data by sweeping the deflection angle. Configuration changes of a wind tunnel test model, such as changing the deflection angle of control surfaces, are usually performed manually with the ventilation suspended. Hence, the number of configurations that can be implemented within a confined test period is restricted; the aerodynamic data gained are discrete values. To accomplish continuous angular modulation would dramatically improve the ability by sweeping through the aerodynamic data in wind tunnel tests, enhancing the test system as a tool for discussing complex physical phenomena. Thus, this study created a compact remote feedback control system using optical measurement to continuously obtain high-precision aerodynamic data without stopping the wind tunnel, eliminating human operation. In particular, this study targets a 3D wing wind tunnel model with a control surface, which is more challenging to fabricate, miniaturizing the system in a model. The system consequently attained consecutive aerodynamic data multiple times under numerous configurations, which had been impracticable to reach in the past, within a wind tunnel test period of several days, thereby dramatically increasing the testing capability. The reproducibility was quantitatively verified by comparing the multiple data for the identical configurations. Furthermore, the reliability was demonstrated using discrete data obtained by conventional stepwise deflection angle adjustments. Eventually, the system was able to grasp physical phenomena involving hysteresis.