Steady aerodynamic characteristics of a wing flying over a nonplanar ground surface. Part II: Channel

The steady aerodynamic characteristics of a wing flying over a channel are investigated using a boundary-element method. The present method is validated by comparing the computed results with the measured data. Compared with a flat ground surface, the channel fence augmented the lift increase and induced drag reduction. When the fence is lower than the wing height. the gap between the wingtip and the fence does not affect the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing much. When the fence is higher than the wing height. the close gap increased the lift. The induced drag is reduced when the wing is placed near the ground or at the same height as the fence. It is believed that present results can be used in the conceptual design of the high-speed ground transporters flying over the channel.