Lunch and Learn: The Quest for Increasing Aerodynamic Efficiency: A Journey through Research and Tea

Lunch_and_Learn_2019_08_23_Sid.pdf

Increasing the aerodynamic efficiency of flying machines have remained a velleity for many years.  Dr. Gunasekaran (Sid) will start off with discussions on the conditions leading to maximum aerodynamic efficiency and will then give insight into the wingtip vortex-free shear layer interaction which plays a primary role in the balance of induced and parasite drag of the wing. Then, methods which are currently undertaken to study this interaction will be discussed including unconventional wing designs. The dynamics of wingtip vortex and free shear layer will also be visited from the standpoint of propeller aerodynamics, especially when they are in close proximity to the ground. A vortex driven method to increase the efficiency of wind turbines will also be touched on. The talk will then conclude with some reflections on incorporating similar genre of research in undergraduate/graduate courses.