Experimental investigation of ground effects on aerodynamics of sinusoidal leading-edge wings

Sinusoidal leading-edge wings have attracted many considerations since they can delay the stall and enhance the maneuverability. The main contribution of this research study is to experimentally investigate effects of ground on aerodynamic performance of sinusoidal leading-edge wings. To this end, 6 tubercled wings with different amplitudes and wavelengths are fabricated and compared with the baseline wing which has smooth leading-edge. Proposed wings are tested in different distances from the ground in a wind tunnel lab for a wide range of angle of attack from 0 degrees to 36 degrees and low Reynolds number of 45,000. Results indicated that lift coefficient is improved when wings get close to the ground. Furthermore, increment of protuberance amplitude in the vicinity of the ground could efficiently prevent stalling particularly for shorter wavelength.

Automated summary

The study experimentally investigated the effects of ground on the aerodynamic performance of sinusoidal leading-edge wings, finding that lift coefficient increases when the wings are close to the ground and increasing protuberance amplitude near the ground can efficiently prevent stalling.