Tip Speed Ratio Influences on Rotationally Augmented Boundary Layer Topology and Aerodynamic Force Generation

Abstract

Under zero yaw conditions, rotational effects substantially and routinely augment HAWT blade aerodynamic response. To better comprehend the fluid dynamic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, time dependent blade surface pressure data were acquired from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment (UAE), a full-scale HAWT tested in the NASA Ames 80 ft×120 ft wind tunnel. These surface pressure data were processed to obtain normal force and flow field topology data. Further analyses were carried out in a manner that allowed tip speed ratio effects to be isolated from other confounding influences. Results showed clear correlations between normal forces, flow field topologies, and tip speed ratios. These relationships changed significantly at different blade radial locations, pointing to the complex three-dimensional flow physics present on rotating HAWT blades.