Paper details

Title: Wind Tunnel Load Measurements of a Leading-Edge Inflatable Kite Rigid Scale Model

Authors: Jelle Agatho Wilhelm Poland , Johannes Marinus van Spronsen, Mac Gaunaa , Roland Schmehl

Abstract: Obtained from CrossRef

Abstract. Leading-edge inflatable (LEI) kites are morphing aerodynamic surfaces that are actuated by the bridle line system. Their design as tensile membrane structures has several implications for aerodynamic performance. Because of the pronounced C shape of the wings, a considerable part of the aerodynamic forces is redirected sideways and used for steering. The inflated tubular frame introduces flow recirculation zones on the pressure side of the wing. In this paper, we present wind tunnel measurements of a 1:6.5 rigid-scale model of the 25 m2 TU Delft V3 LEI kite developed specifically for airborne wind energy (AWE) harvesting. Aerodynamic forces and moments were recorded in an open-jet wind tunnel over wide ranges of flow conditions, including angles of attack from −11.6 to 24.5°, sideslip angles from −20 to 20°, and freestream velocities from 5 to 25 m s−1. The wind tunnel measurements were performed with and without zigzag tape along the model’s leading edge to investigate the possible boundary layer tripping effect of the stitching seam connecting the canopy to the inflated tube. At a Reynolds number of 5×105, the addition of zigzag tape was found to reduce lift and increase drag, indicating a negative impact on aerodynamic performance. The rigid-scale model was manufactured to match the undeformed geometry employed in Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations from the literature, rather than the unknown in-flight deformed geometry. A representative subset of the measurements was used to benchmark both these RANS and new vortex-step method simulations. Both computational methods successfully reproduced the measured trends under nominal operating conditions. While the post-stall discrepancy persists, excellent agreement was observed for lift, drag, and side force coefficients, with lift deviations remaining within the 10 % range.

OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W7140117817

CODECHECK details

Certificate identifier: 2025-007

Codechecker names: Josip Grguric , Yasel Quintero

Time of check: 2025-05-26 14:00:00

Repository: https://github.com/codecheckers/certificate-2025-007

Full certificate: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15603144

Type: institution

Venue: TU Delft DCC

Summary:

This codecheck resulted in a full reproduction of the figures presented in the publication. The authors provided a GitHub repository containing all the necessary code and instructions for reproducing the figures and provided the yet to be published data directly. Required adjustments: modifying the path to the data folder, providing LaTeX is a system dependency.

Cite this certificate: Citation metadata retrieved from data.crosscite.org

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