Characterisation of vortex shedding on a hydrofoil using PIV measurements

Abstract

An experimental study of vortex shedding on a hydrofoil Eppler 817 was conducted using two-dimensional two components Particle Image Velocimetry. This foil section’s characteristics are adapted for naval applications but sparsely documented. The characterization of the flow modes was realized based on statistical data such as the mean velocity field and the standard deviation of the vertical velocities. The data were acquired at very low Reynolds number which are not often covered for such hydrofoil and at four angles of attack ranging from 2^◦ to 30^◦. A map of different characteristic flow modes was made for this space of parameters and was used to identify flow configurations exhibiting particular dynamics.