Experiment on longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of flying wing model with plasma flow control

Abstract

Horizontal tail is eliminated from the flying wing layout for improving the low observable and aerodynamic efficiency, resulting in degrading longitudinal maneuverability and fight stability. The low speed wind tunnel test study of improving the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of large aspect ratio flying wing model is carried out by using plasma flow control technology. The flying wing model has a leading-edge sweep angle of 34.5° and an aspect ratio of 5.79. The reasons for deteriorating the static maneuverability and stability of the flying wing model and the mechanism of plasma control of the flow field and longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics are studied by particle image velocimetry (PIV) flow visualization and static force measurement test. The control law of plasma control of the flight maneuverability and stability of the flying wing model is studied through flight test. The fact that the flow separation of the outer wing of the flying wing model occurs earlier than the inner wing and the wing is swept back can result in the forward movement of the aerodynamic center and the deterioration of the longitudinal static stability. The shock disturbance induced by plasma can suppress the flow separation of the suction surface, thereby extending the linear section of the lift curve of the model, preventing the aerodynamic center from moving forward, and improving the longitudinal static stability. When the wind speed is 50 m/s, the plasma control improves the horizontal rudder efficiency at a high angle of attack of the flying wing model, increases the maximum lift coefficient of the model by about 0.1, and postpones the stall angle of attack by more than 4° at different rudder angles. The plasma control allows the flying model to follow the command movement better while flying, increases the flying pitch limit angle from 11.5° to 15.1°, reduces the amplitude of longitudinal disturbance motion by 2°, and reduces the oscillation attenuation time from 15 to 8 s, thereby improving the longitudinal flight maneuverability and stability of the flying wing model. It can be seen that plasma flow control technology has great potential applications in improving the flight quality of flying wing layout.