Vortex Shedding Simulation

Key Takeaways

• Vortex shedding in aircraft occurs when the air flows through the structural component such as the wings or fuselage acting as a bluff body. 

• The frequency of vortex shedding is dependent on the flow behavior, speed, and structural design and significantly impacts the performance of the aircraft. 

• Vortex shedding simulation helps in analyzing how the formation of vortices affects the aerodynamic forces and stability, allowing engineers to make the necessary optimization decisions in favor of aircraft efficiency. 

Vortex shedding has a significant impact on aircraft performance

What causes a kettle to whistle when the water boils? Why does a  bridge vibrate during high winds? These common phenomena are the result of fluid flowing through a body, creating a whirling motion. This behavior is called vortex shedding. This flow phenomenon can also be applied to complex engineering applications such as the aerospace, energy, or construction industries where the flow may induce noise, vibration, or drag.

In aerospace design, vortex shedding may occur due to the interaction between the aircraft body and the wind flowing across it. The frequency of vortex shedding is directly influenced by how the airfoil is shaped and how it behaves at certain airspeeds. A better way to get insight into the relationship between vortex shedding and aircraft design is through effective CFD simulation. 

In this article, we will take a look at how vortex shedding simulation with computation fluid dynamics (CFD) can help us understand the flow pattern when encountered through an aircraft body and how careful design consideration is essential to reduce any negative effects. 

Vortex Shedding in Aircraft

In aircraft, wings, fuselage, and other structural components function as a bluff body on the way of the airflow. As the aircraft moves, these components separate the flow, forming vortices. In aircraft wings, this occurs along the trailing edge of the wing, leaving a wake of turbulent air downstream. The wake turbulence results in the formation of a series of vortices behind the aircraft, i.e., vortex shedding.

The frequency of vortex shedding in aircraft is dependent on many factors, listed below.

Factors Affecting the Frequency of Vortex Shedding

During aircraft design, the overall effects of the above-mentioned factors must be carefully studied to avoid significant effects on the safety and performance of the aircraft. One way to do so is with a vortex shedding simulation. 

Vortex Shedding Simulation for Analyzing Aircraft Performance

Vortex shedding has a significant effect on the lift and drag forces induced in the aircraft. The predictions of these aerodynamic forces and their effect on the aircraft performance are simplified by CFD-based vortex shedding simulation. Engineers can simulate the flow behavior around the aircraft to analyze the vortex shedding frequency and evaluate its impact on the “bluff body” components. The result obtained can inform decisions regarding design optimizations of the aerodynamic surfaces so as to minimize the effects of vortex shedding on the aircraft's performance and stability. 

The CFD simulation of vortex shedding analysis involves solving the Navier-Stokes equation associated with the fluid motion around the aircraft surface. The pressure distribution over the surface can be analyzed to calculate the lift and drag forces acting on the aircraft. The common observation of the vortex shedding phenomenon in aircraft is increased drag, increased noise, and reduced lift. 

Below are a few ways vortex shedding simulation can help in aircraft performance analysis.

How Vortext Shedding Simulation Supports Aircraft Performance Analysis

The insight into the above factors affecting aircraft performance allows system designers to make necessary design optimization decisions so as maximize the aerodynamic efficiency and performance of the aircraft. 

Optimize Aircraft Design to Reduce Vortex Shedding Effects

Using CFD tools, the aircraft and flow model can be generated. Through fine discretization and numerical analysis of the governing equation at each cell, it is possible to obtain the flow field where the vortex shedding pattern can be studied. CFD tools can make use of methods like the finite element method (FEM) or finite volume method (FVM) to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for airflow. 

The visualization of flow behavior, pressure distribution, and vortex shedding patterns around the bluff body in the simulation model can be taken as a reference to make decisions about the modification needs for the aircraft. With tools such as  Fidelity and Fidelity Pointwise, you can run accurate CFD-based vortex shedding simulations so you can make accurate predictions and optimization decisions. 

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