Unsteady Thin Wing Theory

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Western Michigan University

 1. Introduction

Unsteady thin wing theory is a theoretical framework used to analyze the aerodynamic behavior
of thin airfoils under unsteady conditions. The theory was developed by Munk who uses a vortex
sheet in the potential flow to model an actual flow over an edge to calculate the lift and the
moment. This theory is particularly useful in studying the effects of unsteady flow phenomena
such as gusts, oscillations, and maneuvers on the performance of aircraft. The basic assumptions
of unsteady thin wing theory are that the wing is infinitely long and thin, and that the
aerodynamic forces act only in the normal direction to the wing. The theory is based on the
linearized unsteady thin airfoil theory, which assumes that the perturbation in the flow velocity is
small compared to the freestream velocity[1]. The objective of this paper is to explore the
foundation of the unsteady thin wing theory and some of the formula related to this theory.

2. Methodology

In Fung discussion [2], he explored the physical basis of thin-airfoil theory, stating that a vortex
sheet is a model that approximates a boundary layer on the airfoil's surface as viscosity
approaches zero. He also noted that the integration of the strength of the vortex sheet is
equivalent to the magnitude of the circulation responsible for generating lift. Forester[5]
expanded on this idea, discussing the relationship between unsteady boundary-layer vorticity and
the strength of the bound-vortex sheet, as well as the generalized Kutta-Joukowski condition for
a blunt trailing edge. Essentially, the bound-vortex sheet in thin-airfoil theory represents both the
airfoil and its boundary layer, and the circulation and sheet strength are closely intertwined. The
lift and moment can be computed using thin-airfoil theory, while the circulation can be
determined through a boundary-layer calculation, enabling the application of thin-airfoil theory
to a body with boundary-layer separation near the blunt trailing edge. Although these arguments
make sense from a physical standpoint, there is currently no systematic derivation of unsteady
thin-airfoil theory from the Navier-Stokes equations within the broader context of viscous flows.
Such a derivation would need to be grounded in a general force expression for viscous flows[3].
 Figure 1.Rectangular Control Volume
Figure 1 illustrates an incompressible viscous flow where a solid body experiences a force given
by equation (1):

F=− ∫ ∂ B pn dS− ∫ Vf ρa dV + ∫ Σ pn τ dS … … … .[1]

where

p is the pressure, τ is the surface shear-stress vector, a is the acceleration, ρ is the fluid density,
∂B represents the solid boundary of the wing domain B, Vf is the fluid control volume, Σ is the
outer control surface enclosing the body, and n is the unit normal vector pointing outward from
the control surface.

By using the equation

a=∂ u/∂ t+ ω ×u+ ∇ q 2/2

Equation (1) can be rewritten as equation (2):

ρ∂u ρq 2 ρq 2
F= ∫ Vf ρu× ω dV −∫ Vf dV −∫ Σ p dS + ∫ Σ τ dS−∫ ∂ B dS … ….. [2]
∂t 2n 2n

where u is the velocity, ω is the vorticity, and q = ||u||. The first term on the RHS of equation (2)
is a volume integral of the Lamb vector l = u × ω, which represents the vortex force. The second
term is a volume integral of the local acceleration of the fluid, representing the unsteady inertial
effect induced by a moving solid body and the unsteady flow itself. The third and fourth terms
are the surface integrals of the total pressure P = pρq2/2 and the surface shear stress on the
control surface Σ. The fifth term is the boundary term of the kinetic energy. Due to the difficulty
of determining the static pressure p, equation (2) is usually expressed in terms of velocity and
vorticity instead. Calculating and measuring the static pressure p can be challenging, so the third
term in equation (2) involving p should be reformulated in terms of velocity, which is more
easily measurable. Various methods have been employed to address the issue of the pressure
term, resulting in different force expressions. However, eliminating the pressure term for a
general control surface typically leads to more complex expressions where it is difficult to
understand the physical interpretations and relative contributions of each term.

3. Analysis

The application of unsteady thin airfoil theory involves the use of an inviscid model that
disregards thickness and applies a linearized boundary condition to a mean surface. As a result, it
is important to assess the accuracy of the theory for different airfoil motions and Reynolds
numbers[4] .

The primary distinctions between incompressible airfoil theory that is steady (not time-
dependent) and unsteady (time-dependent) originate from two principles: Kelvin's theorem and
the unsteady Bernoulli equation. According to the assumptions made in thin airfoil theory, it is
possible to express the unsteady Bernoulli equation in the following way:

[ ]
x
∂
△ p= p U ( t ) γ ( x , t ) + ∫ γ ( x 0 ,t ) d x0 … . … ..[3]
∂t 0

Here, γ refers to the vorticity which is dependent on time and is present on an airfoil that extends
from x = 0 to c. This equation (3) reveals the primary distinction between steady and unsteady
airfoil theory, which is that the difference in pressure (∆p) is no longer directly proportional to γ,
indicating that the Kutta-Joukowski theorem is no longer applicable. In intrusive examination the
consequences of equation (3) on the airflow can be written as
Integrating the second term

………….[4]

It can be written as

.………….[5]

The equation (5) is divided into two terms, with the first term representing the Joukowski lift (Lj)
and corresponding to the lift calculated according to the Kutta-Joukowski theorem. The second
term, known as the apparent mass lift (La), constitutes the other part of the equation. However,
before the true value of the equation (5) can be appreciated, it is essential to examine the nature
of γ. Kelvin’s condition provides the basis for this analysis and is responsible for marking the
second crucial difference between steady and unsteady airfoil theory.

One of the most important results of unsteady thin wing theory is the Kutta-Joukowski theorem,
which relates the lift force generated by an airfoil to the circulation of vorticity around the airfoil.
The theorem states that the lift force is proportional to the circulation of vorticity, and that this
proportionality constant is related to the airfoil geometry and the fluid density. In addition to the
Kutta-Joukowski theorem, unsteady thin wing theory also provides a framework for analyzing
the unsteady behavior of airfoils due to changes in the angle of attack, changes in the free-stream
velocity, and other external factors. By modeling the vorticity distribution around the airfoil and
solving the governing partial differential equations, researchers can predict the aerodynamic
forces acting on the airfoil under unsteady flow conditions[6].

However, unsteady thin wing theory has some limitations, as it assumes that the airfoil is thin
and that the flow is incompressible and inviscid. These assumptions limit the accuracy of the
analysis for airfoils with thick profiles or for situations where the flow is highly turbulent or
compressible. Nonetheless, unsteady thin wing theory remains a valuable tool for analyzing the
aerodynamic behavior of thin airfoils under a wide range of operating conditions.

4. Applications Of Unsteady Thin Wing Theory

Unsteady thin wing theory has a variety of applications in the field of aerodynamics. One of the
most significant is in the design of aircraft wings, where a thorough understanding of unsteady
airflow and vorticity is necessary to ensure that the wings can handle a wide range of operating
conditions [7]. Unsteady thin wing theory can also be used to predict the aerodynamic forces
acting on wind turbine blades, which experience unsteady airflow as they rotate in the wind.

Another application of unsteady thin wing theory is in the study of unsteady fluid mechanics,
which has implications in many fields, including meteorology, oceanography, and civil
engineering[8]. By understanding the fundamental principles of unsteady flow over thin airfoils,
researchers can gain insight into a wide range of fluid mechanics problems, such as the unsteady
flow of water in rivers and channels.

Additionally, unsteady thin wing theory has applications in the field of structural dynamics,
where it is used to predict the aeroelastic response of aircraft wings and other structures
subjected to unsteady aerodynamic forces. By modeling the unsteady forces acting on a structure
and their effects on its dynamic response, engineers can design structures that are more resilient
and less prone to failure.

Overall, the applications of unsteady thin wing theory are wide-ranging and can be found in
many fields related to fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and structural dynamics.

Conclusion
Unsteady thin wing theory is a mathematical framework that is used to analyze the aerodynamic
behavior of thin airfoils under unsteady flow conditions. The theory is based on the concept of
vorticity, which is a measure of the local rotation of a fluid element. In unsteady thin wing
theory, vorticity is assumed to be concentrated along the airfoil surface, and the behavior of the
vorticity is governed by a set of partial differential equations.
References

1. Dietze, F., “Law of Aerodynamic Force of a Jointed Plate in Harmonic Motion,”

Luftfarhtforschung, Vol. 18, No. 4, 1941, pp. 135.
2. Dowell, E. H., Modern Course in Aeroelasticity, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 3rd Ed.,
1995.
3. Ericsson, L. E., Reding, J. P., “Unsteady Airfoil Stall, Review and Extension,” Journal of
Aircraft, Vol. 8, August 1971, pp. 609-616.
4. Fleischer, H., Manual of Pneumatic Systems Optimization, McGraw Hill, Inc., 1995.
5. Forster, E., Sanders, B., and Eastep, F., “Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of a Variable
Geometry Trailing Edge Control Surface,” AIAA paper 2003-1807, April 2003.
6. Fung, Y. M., An Introduction to the Theory of Aeroelasticity, Dover, New York, 1969.
7. Garrick, I. E., “A Review of Unsteady Aerodynamics of Potential Flows,” Applied
Mechanics Review, Vol. 5, No. 3, March 1952, pp. 89-91.
8. Gern, F. H., Inman, D. J., and Kapania, R. K., “Computation of Actuation Power
Requirements for Smart Wings with Morphing Airfoils,” AIAA Paper 2002-1629, April