Vortex Induced Vibration and Frequency Lock In of an Airfoil at High Angles of Attack

Abstract

Vortexinduced vibration is a fluid instability where vortices due to secondary flows exert a periodic unsteady force on the elastic structure. Under certain circumstances, the shedding frequency can lock into the structure natural frequency and lead to limit cycle oscillations. These vibrations may cause material fatigue and are a common source of structural failure. This work uses a frequency domain, harmonic balance (HB) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to predict the natural shedding frequency and lockin region of an airfoil at very high angles of attack. The numerical results are then successfully compared to experimental data from wind tunnel testings.