Heat Transfer to an Airfoil in Oscillating Flow

Abstract

Local heat transfer coefficients to an airfoil in an oscillating stream have been measured for a range of frequencies and oscillation amplitudes. Results at moderate angles of attack are in agreement with previously reported findings. However, at large angles of attack, including those associated with stall in steady flow, a strong periodic starting vortex shed from the leading edge leads to a dramatic reattachment of the flow and consequent increase in local Nusselt Numbers of as much as five-fold. These effects are shown to be amplified by increasing oscillation frequency and amplitude.