Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3196
Date of Award
12-2025
Degree Name
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Department/Program
Aerospace Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Advisor
Nandeesh Hiremath
Advisor Department
Aerospace Engineering
Advisor College
College of Engineering
Abstract
This thesis investigates the flow behavior of thin circular disks at various incidence angles in a low Reynolds number regime. Experiments were conducted using a Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry (SPIV) with Class 3B and 4 lasers in the Cal Poly water tunnel. This work includes establishing a reliable measurement setup to ensure consistent camera imaging throughout the study. Research outcomes contribute to the advancement of aerodynamics of continuously varying leading edge sweep. Emphasis is on the three-dimensional flow features near the leading edge and the ramifications of a blunt edge on the vortex induced lift. SPIV fields show near-body and off-body three-component velocity fields. Time averaged data sets were used to capture vortical flow structures, vortex lift force, and shedding phenomenon on the lee-side and wind-side.