Title: Computational investigation into the influence of yaw on the aerodynamics of a rotating wheel in free air

Authors: T.D. Kothalawala; A. Gatto

Addresses: College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK ' College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, Kingston Lane, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK

Abstract: This paper details a computational investigation into the influence of applied yaw angle on the aerodynamics of a rotating wheel in free air. The main analysis tool employed was unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations with the primary aim to investigate and characterise the complex surface and near wake flow field physics of the configuration. Overall, results showed that the flow-field surrounding the wheel was principally vortical in nature with the number and strength of developed vortical structures heavily dependent on the level of applied yaw angle. Lift, drag, and side force coefficients, as well as on-surface pressures were also found to be inter-dependent to the level of yaw angle applied.

Keywords: CFD; wheel; landing gear; rotating wheel; yaw; bluff body; aerodynamics; free air.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCSE.2017.084679

International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering, 2017 Vol.14 No.4, pp.370 - 385

Received: 11 Apr 2015
Accepted: 15 Aug 2015
Published online: 21 Jun 2017 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article