Analysis of propeller-induced ground vortices by particle image velocimetry

The interaction between a propeller and its self-induced vortices originating on the ground is investigated in a scaled experiment. The velocity distribution in the flow field in two different planes containing the self-induced vortices is measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV). These planes are a wall-parallel plane in close proximity to the ground and a wall-normal plane just upstream of the propeller. Based on the visualization of the flow field in these two planes, the occurrence of ground vortices and its domain boundary are analysed. The elevation of the propeller from the ground and the thrust of the propeller are two parameters that determine the occurrence of ground vortices. The main features of the propeller inflow in the presence of the ground vortices are highlighted. Moreover, the analysis of the non-uniform inflow in the azimuthal direction shows that with increasing the propeller thrust coefficient and decreasing the elevation of the propeller above the ground, the variation of the inflow angle of the blade increases.