Journal
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS PART G-JOURNAL OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Volume 235, Issue 4, Pages 439-450Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS LTD
DOI: 10.1177/0954410020946903
Keywords
Biomimetic; experimental aerodynamics; humpback whale; low Reynolds number; sinusoidal leading-edge; smart flap
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This study investigates the performance of sinusoidal leading-edge wings at low Reynolds numbers and the role of smart flaps in aerodynamics. Results show that using smart flaps in sinusoidal leading-edge wings can delay stall, while using smart flaps in smooth leading-edge wings can advance stall. Wings with smart flaps generally have a higher lift to drag ratio due to their excellent performance in producing lift.
Sinusoidal leading-edge wings have shown a high performance after the stall region. In this study, the role of smart flaps in the aerodynamics of smooth and sinusoidal leading-edge wings at low Reynolds numbers of 29,000, 40,000 and 58,000 is investigated. Four wings with NACA 63(4)-021 profile are firstly designed and then manufactured by a 3 D printer. Beam bending equation is used to determine the smart flap chord deflection. Next, wind tunnel tests are carried out to measure the lift and drag forces of proposed wings for a wide range of angles of attack, from zero to 36 degrees. Results show that using trailing-edge smart flap in sinusoidal leading-edge wing delays the stall point compared to the same wing without flap. However, a combination of smooth leading-edge wing and smart flap advances the stall. Furthermore, it is found that wings with smart flap generally have a higher lift to drag ratio due to their excellent performance in producing lift.
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