Boundary Layer Contrlo with a Moving Belt System for Studies on Wing-in-Ground-Effect

Results from studies on the performance of a moving belt system are presented. Velocity measurements were performed above the moving belt with a hot-wire anemometer at a free-stream velocity of 15m / s. The belt speed was same as the free-stream velocity. Boundary layer suction was applied upstream of the moving belt to obtain a uniform free-stream. It is found that with the help of moving belt system, it is possible to minimize the growth of boundary layer. The boundary layer grew by only 1 mm over a distance of 700 mm. Such a system is highly desirable for studies on ground effect aerodynamics. Measurements of lift and drag forces are performed on a tandem wing configuration in ground effect using the system with and without the belt moving. Influence of angles of attack for the wings on the aerodynamic characteristics of a tandem wing configuration with a variable distance between them is also studied for the two cases, with a very small ground clearance.