An integrated measurement approach for the determination of the aerodynamic loads and structural motion for unsteady airfoils

The structural motion and unsteady aerodynamic loads of a pitching airfoil model that features an actuated trailing edge flap are determined experimentally using single measurement data processing system. This integrated approach provides alternative to the coordinated use multiple systems for simultaneous position flow field measurements in large-scale fluid–structure interaction experiments. this study performed with robotic PIV system Lagrangian particle tracking. Flow obtained by seeding helium-filled soap bubbles, while tracking fiducial markers on surface. deflection from marker fitting rigid body model, accounts degrees freedom measurements. For determination (lift moment) measurements, two different approaches evaluated, both based potential thin theory. These methods facilitate efficient non-intrusive load airfoils produce results good agreement reference pressure transducers.