• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.210-217
• /
• 2011

Evolution of tip vortex generated by a model rotor blade which has a symmetric blade section has been investigated by use of the laser doppler anemometry. Swirl and axial velocity components of tip vortex were measured by the phase averaging technique within one revolution of a rotor blade. It was found that tip vortex becomes matured until 27 degrees and diffuses afterwards with diffusing rate becoming slower compared to the case of the asymmetric blade section, but the tip loss was expected to become more substantial. Swirl velocity components were well fit to n=2 model of Vatistas within measured wake ages, showing the self-similarity exists for the swirl velocity components. The axial components were followed with Gaussian profiles, but had much higher peak values than those of the symmetric blade section.