Wind tunnel analysis of separated aerodynamics leading to different types of torsional flutter in bluff-bodies.

A new experimental apparatus has been developed at the wind tunnel laboratory of University of Liège with the objective to study the torsional flutter instability of a rectangular cylinder. Different configurations, based on the position of the pitching axis, the stiffness of the restoring springs and the static equilibrium angle of the model have been tested and analysed. Sub- and supercritical bifurcations behaviour has been identified. The dynamics of the system, as well as the aerodynamic phenomena taking place around the model have been measured. The frequency content of the pitching displacement and the longitudinal component of the velocity in the wake showed the occurrence of two types of aerodynamic instability: large separation from the leading edge and vortex shedding in the Strouhal sense. Furthermore, preliminary Particle Image Velocimetry visualisation confirmed the presence of complex aerodynamic phenomena over the upper surface and in the wake of the model. These measurements allow a better understanding of the sources of aerodynamic excitation leading to torsional flutter