Leading and Trailing Edge Effects on the Aerodynamic Performance of Compliant Aerofoils

The geometry of the rigid leading and trailing edges that hold the membrane could affect the aeromechanic performance of membrane wings. In this study the interaction between the supports and a membrane aerofoil is explored. Tests are performed at low Reynolds numbers, Re =9 ×10 4 , and incidences of 2 ◦ - 22 ◦ . Four different leading and trailing edge geometries have been analysed focusing on the unsteady characteristics of the wake and the structural vibration of the membrane. Results indicate that the wake’s shedding frequency is dependent on membrane’s support geometry for low angles of attack (α), but is independent for higher values of α. Moreover, it has been found that the aeroelastic coupling between vortex shedding and membrane vibration interact, exciting the natural frequency modes of the membrane support. Hence, the results suggest that the leading and trailing edge geometry plays a crucial role on the overall performance of the membrane aerofoil.