MEASUREMENT OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN A ROTOR TIP VORTEX AND A CYLINDER

The transient interaction between a cylinder and the trailing vortex from a rotor in forward flight is studied. Phase-averaged laser velocimetry and surface pressure measurements made with flush-mounted microphones are used to study the velocity and pressure variations during such an interaction. Vorticity contours constructed from the velocity measurements exhibit the presence of a secondary structure with vorticity opposite in sense to that of the primary tip vortex. This structure moves rapidly around the tip vortex from upstream to downstream. The pressure variations caused by the tip vortex on the surface of the cylinder are smooth as the vortex core passes by, and no evidence is found of fine structure inside the vortex core region. After vortex interaction, the secondary structure causes large variations in the surface pressure before being dissipated. Calculations using measured vortex strength and speed data indicate that the distortions and deflections of the vortex immediately prior to impingement on the surface differ significantly from those computed using two-dimensional potential flow concepts. © 1990 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., All rights reserved.