MICRO AIR VEHICLE SCALE GUST-WING INTERACTION IN A WIND TUNNEL

Abstract

Studying isolated gust effects on simple airfoil models in a controlled environment is a necessity to further the development of MAV gust response and control laws. This work describes the creation of a vertical gust generator in a low speed, low turbulence wind tunnel through the use of an actuated fan placed below the tunnel and ducted through its floor. Gusts of up to 40% of the freestream velocity were created. Characterization of the gust generator is shown, and its interaction with a stationary wing at several angles of attack is evaluated. The actuated gust profile is also compared to that of a pitched wing in a gust-less environment with many visible similarities.