Modeling and prediction of aerodynamic characteristics of free fall rotating wing based on experiments

The unsteady vortex lattice method (UVLM) is used to model the aerodynamic loading on different Samara leaves (Maple seed) during their steady state flight. Experiments is performed to verify the analytical results. Parameters including the drop speed, angular velocity and coning angle for different sets of Maple Samaras were determined from experiments. The aerodynamic loads were calculated using UVLM against the forces required for maintaining a steady state flight as obtained from the experiment. Consequently, the UVLM approach yields adequate aerodynamic modelling features that can be used for more accurate flight stability analysis of the Samara flight or of decelerator devices inspired by such flight.