Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7907-4305
Advisor
Narsipur, Shreyas
Committee Member
Sescu, Adrian
Committee Member
Wolz, Robert R.
Date of Degree
12-12-2025
Original embargo terms
Embargo 2 years
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Aerospace Engineering
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Department
Department of Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
The effects of internal acoustic excitation on the aerodynamics of a NACA 0012 wing at low Reynolds numbers are investigated by targeting specific boundary layer instabilities. XFOIL simulations estimated boundary layer separation, laminar separation bubble formation, and dominant instability frequencies. Wind tunnel experiments performed at Reynolds number of 60,000, 120,000, and 180,000 over excitation frequencies from 2 - 5000 Hz revealed negligible lift enhancement pre-stall but significantly increased lift post-stall. Drag reduction primarily occurred at lower angles of attack and was frequency-dependent. Optimal excitation frequency bands were revealed within a narrow modified Strouhal number range (0.02 - 0.03), consistent with prior findings on shear layer instabilities. Surface oil flow visualization and wake pressure measurements corroborated aerodynamic force measurements and estimated boundary layer behavior. The findings demonstrate the potential of internal acoustic excitation as a low-energy method for flow control to improve aerodynamic efficiency in small-scale flight systems.
Recommended Citation
Burcham, Robert, "Investigation of mechanisms of internal acoustic excitation on lift and drag augmentation" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 6829.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6829
