On the Influence of Pitching and Acceleration on Vortex Dynamics Around Low-Aspect-Ratio Rectangular Wings

In the present study, we use numerical simulations to investigate the three-dimensional flows over low-aspect-ratio flat plates undergoing two canonical motions at low Reynolds numbers. The first motion is defined by the flat plate initially translating at 0 ◦ incidence that pitches to 45 ◦ about its leading edge. The second motion consists of the flat plate at a constant 45 ◦ incidence in a quiescent fluid, where the plate accelerates up to a constant velocity. The focus of this study is to investigate the influence of these simplified motions on the unsteady vortex dynamics, specifically the formation and evolution of the leading-edge, trailing-edge, and tip vortices over the low-aspect-ratio plate. A parameter study of Reynolds number, aspect ratio and pitch rate is performed to further understand the effect of these motions on the complex flow field. I